Eye specialists, also known as ophthalmologists, are medical doctors who have completed four years of college, four years of medical school, and three years of residency in ophthalmology. They are the only physicians specifically trained to treat all eye diseases and perform all types of eye surgery.
It is important to see an eye specialist if you experience any problems with your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, halos around lights, or floaters. Like in any other place, a fully qualified eye specialist in Singapore can diagnose the cause of these problems and prescribe treatment if necessary.
Annual eye exams are recommended but people with risk factors for certain diseases (such as diabetes) may need to see an eye specialist more often. When an eye specialist examines your eyes, they will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a routine examination, which may include the following tests:
- Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test may be recommended if there are problems with vision or a change in vision. Your eye specialist in Singapore may recommend this test to measure how well you can see at different distances.
- Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Measurement: This test measures the pressure inside your eyes. It is particularly important if you’re at risk of getting glaucoma since a high IOP may be indicative of glaucoma.
- Slit-lamp examination: This is a microscope that allows the doctor to see the structure of your eyes in detail.
- Dilated pupil exam: This exam involves putting drops in your eyes to dilate (enlarge) your pupils so that the doctor can get a better view of the inside of your eyes.
- Tonometry: Tonometry is used to measure the amount of force needed to open your eyelids. Your eye specialist may also use it to determine if you have glaucoma—especially if you have risk factors to this condition.
- Pachymetry: Eye specialists turn to this test when there is a need to the thickness of the cornea. Thickening of the cornea can be a sign of glaucoma.
What are the Common Symptoms that Eye Specialists Look for When Examining the Eye
Usually, the only symptoms that an eye specialist will look for are problems with vision. However, there are a few other symptoms that can indicate a problem with your eyes:
- Pain in One or Both Eyes
Pain in one or both eyes can be a sign of a number of different eye diseases, such as cataracts, uveitis, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as a brain tumor or stroke. If you experience pain in your eyes, it is important to see an eye specialist right away.
- Redness in One or Both Eyes
Redness in one or both eyes can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or allergies. It can also be a sign of a more serious problem, such as uveitis or keratitis. An eye specialist will be able to determine the cause of the redness and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Discharge from One or Both Eyes
Discharge from one or both eyes can be a sign of infection, dry eye syndrome, or cancer. When an eye specialist examines your eyes, they will look for any signs of discharge and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Swelling of the Eyelids
Swelling of the eyelids can be a sign of infection, glaucoma, or a tumor. In most cases, it is not a serious problem and can be treated with medication or surgery. However, it is important to see an eye specialist if you experience swelling of the eyelids so that the cause can be determined and treated if necessary.
- Sensitivity to Light
Sensitivity to light can be a sign of a number of different eye diseases, such as cataracts, uveitis, glaucoma, or photophobia (fear of light). Owing to the seriousness of the complications that may come with sensitivity to light, you shouldn’t take too long to see your eye specialist in Singapore if you experience sensitivity to light. Sometimes, what you need is only a timely reaction to save your vision.
How to Find an Eye Specialist in Singapore and What Questions to Ask Before Making an Appointment
If you are experiencing problems with your vision, it is important to see an eye specialist. An eye specialist can diagnose and treat a wide range of eye diseases and conditions. You can find an eye specialist in Singapore by asking your family doctor for a referral or by searching online. When you are looking for an eye specialist, be sure to ask the following questions:
- What is Your Specialty?
Eye specialists can specialize in a variety of different areas, including cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal detachment. It is important to find an eye specialist who specializes in the area of medicine that you need treatment for.
- What are Your Hours of Operation?
Be sure to ask the eye specialist what hours they are open. Many eye specialists offer both weekday and weekend appointments.
- Do You Accept My Insurance?
Most eye specialists accept a variety of insurance plans. Nonetheless, it is important to verify this before making an appointment—just to be sure.
- What is the Cost of an Appointment?
The cost of an appointment with an eye specialist in Singapore can vary depending on the doctor’s location and specialty. Be sure to ask the doctor about the cost of an appointment before making one.
- Do You Have Any Patient Reviews Online?
Many eye specialists have patient reviews on websites such as Google or Yelp. Be sure to read these reviews before making an appointment. By reading patient reviews, you can get a sense of what to expect from your appointment and how satisfied other patients have been with the doctor’s services.
In Closing
Seeing an eye specialist is important if you are experiencing problems with your vision. The questions they ask during an examination can help diagnose the cause of your symptoms and prescribe treatment. By asking the right questions, you can find an eye specialist who is right for you.
We have highly qualified eye specialists who can treat a variety of eye diseases and conditions. We offer both weekday and weekend appointments and accept most insurance plans. To schedule an appointment, please call us at +65 6732 1741. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy vision!
Asia Retina – Eye specialist (Ophthalmologist) in Singapore, Dr Claudine Pang
#15-10 The Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd, 238859
+65 6732 0007