Screening for Eye Diseases

The macular is located at the back of the eye. It is responsible for a clear central vision. With increasing age, the macular can degenerate. Those at higher risks of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include those aged 60 and above, positive family history, smoking, obese and cardiovascular disease. It can cause symptoms such as metamorphopsia (straight lines become distorted).

At Lifetime Vision Care, we have equipment such as a fundus camera and an optical coherence topographer, to screen, detect and monitor for AMD and its changes.

Early diagnosis of AMD can help slow the progression. Management of AMD includes healthier diet comprising of leafy vegetables, the intake of supplements, and exercising.

Cataract is an age-related condition where the clear and transparent lens in our eye becomes cloudy. Cataract formation is caused by UV exposure. It can cause symptoms such as foggy and blurred vision, glare, and sensitivity to bright lights.

At Lifetime Vision Care, we use a slit lamp biomicroscope to assess the anterior structures of the eye, including the lens. This tool is useful in screening and detecting cataracts.

With early diagnosis, the formation of cataracts can be reduced by using UV protection when outdoors. UV protections include transitions spectacles, sunglasses, hats, and umbrellas.

Glaucoma is a condition in which happens when there’s a buildup pressure inside your eyes that damages the optic nerve. As the optic nerves gradually deteriorates, it will cause your vision to be impaired or total blindness within a few years.

According to Glaucoma Association of Singapore, glaucoma affects about 3{ee520794726c896aee0ef04321f9a02bd0e40e233b1a6743f3b640955a30a029} of those aged 40 years old and is present in 10{ee520794726c896aee0ef04321f9a02bd0e40e233b1a6743f3b640955a30a029} for those above 70 years old locally. In the case of acute angle-closure glaucoma, patients experience symptoms such as severe headache, pain in the eye, blurred vision and nausea or vomiting for some.

Here are the some of the most common vision of glaucoma patients see:

• Needing more light
• Blurry vision
• Seeing glare
• Lack of peripheral vision
• Hard to differentiate contrast

Since these symptoms develop slowly and gradually over time. It is important to have your eyes examined regularly if you know of your family history with glaucoma! Don’t let the “silent thief of sight” steal your vision and affect your quality of life.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) a complication of diabetes and is one of the leading causes of blindness in persons aged 25-74 years.

Symptoms which you should look out for:

• Loss of central vision when reading or driving
• Loss of ability to see color
• Mild blurring vision
• Floaters
• Sudden severe vision loss

High blood sugar levels can cause fluctuating vision and cause damaging changes to the back part of the eye. These changes include microaneurysms (blood vessels appear balloon-like), swelling, and bleeding.

Detection of DR can be conducted through the use of a fundus camera and optical coherence tomographer. Regular eye examination provide opportunity for early diagnosis and with referral to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor), you have a chance to slow down the progression before it evolve into vision threatening stages.