Simple Ways to Protect Your Eyes by Dr Steve Seah (Singapore Eye Surgeon)

There’s a saying that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. The same can be said about quick and easy solutions that promise to correct your eyesight without the need for prescription glasses and surgery. The truth, however, is that vision problems are typically caused by problems in the eye anatomy, and thus, cannot be treated naturally and without medical assistance.

On the other hand, you can take specific steps to maintain your eye health, reducing the risk of vision problems and more serious conditions as you age. 

1. Have your eyes checked regularly. Most eye conditions do not cause symptoms during their early stages. Visiting your optometrist or ophthalmologist can help detect these illnesses when they are easier to treat, and can help prevent vision impairments. You are also encouraged to visit your physician to check if you are at a higher risk of developing eye diseases, or illnesses like diabetes that lead to eye problems. 

2. Eat a balanced and eye-friendly diet. Fruits and vegetables are particularly rich in antioxidants, which reduce the risk of cataracts. Getting your daily dose of vitamins and omega-3 acids will also protect your eyes from age-related conditions such as macular degeneration. 

3. Aside from a healthy diet, you will also benefit from adding exercises to your daily schedule. Simply walking can help reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 70 percent, studies show. Some eye exercises may also be done with the supervision of your eye doctor. 

4. Make sure to use appropriate eyewear. Not only should you use prescription glasses or contact lenses that are up to date, but you should also take extra effort to choose eyewear that protect your eyes from harmful UV radiation. 

5. Rest your eyes. Taking time off from your computer screen or phone can help prevent eyestrain and fatigue. Try the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes on the computer or phone, look away for 20 seconds and focus on an object about 20 feet away.

6. Don’t smoke. Those who smoke regularly are at a greater risk of developing macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions. 

Steve Seah Eye Centre is equipped with highly advanced and comprehensive screening and diagnostic tools to accurately detect and treat refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma and other conditions. To learn more about  our Singapore Eye Surgery and Eye Surgeon, then you can send a message at steveseaheyecentre@gmail.com or call (65) 6565 6888.

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Glaucoma Diet: What to Eat & What to Avoid by Steve Seah your Singapore Eye Specialist

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of progressive and permanent vision loss in the world. Characterized by a build-up of eye pressure that damages the optic nerve, it is known as the silent thief of sight because it slowly causes blindness without showing any symptoms until its later stages. It’s important to note that treatment of glaucoma only halts the progression of vision loss. The condition itself is incurable, and damage done pre-treatment is irreparable.

In this case, the age-old adage, “Prevention is better than cure.” applies. There are plenty of ways by which you can reduce your risk of developing glaucoma, from engaging in certain exercises to moderating the food you eat. Here’s a list of what and what not to eat to promote eye health and prevent the development of any eye disease, glaucoma or not:

What to Eat

If you want perfectly good eyesight, don’t forget your fruits and vegetables. Dark, leafy greens, yellows and oranges are especially rich in carotenoids, zeaxanthin and the “eye vitamin” lutein, which not only promote vision health, but protect against other illnesses as well. These include spinach, kale, cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, carrot, Brussels sprout, sweet potatoes, beans, squash, mango and peach.

A variety of food is also a great source of vitamins beneficial for eye health, which are:

·         Vitamin A: carrots, egg yolks, sweet potatoes, milk, liver, mangos

·         Vitamin C: citrus fruits, leafy greens, tomatoes, broccoli, potatoes, green peppers

·         Vitamin D: fish liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna, dairy products

·         Vitamin E: eggs, cereals, whole grains, fruits, leafy vegetables, nuts

Certain eye conditions like cataracts and vision impairments have been linked to zinc deficiency. Aside from supplements, you can up your daily zinc intake by consuming red meat, poultry, beans, seafood, whole grains, cereals and dairy products.

What to Avoid

It’s not enough to just eat eye-friendly food. You should also know which ones to avoid or consume in moderation.

Caffeine, for instance, is known for its antioxidant properties. However, drinking too much can increase intraocular pressure and decrease blood flow to the retina. Caffeine-rich products include coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks. Instead of these, you may want to consider healthier alternatives like decaf coffee, herbal tea, lemon water or hot water.

Drinking a large amount of fluid in a short period of time is also harmful for your eyes. Similar to excessive caffeine intake, doing so also increases intraocular pressure. To prevent this, you should just control your fluid intake frequency, choosing to sip small amounts several times throughout the day, instead of drinking a large volume at once.

Dr. Steve Seah is a Singapore eye specialist offers specialized services for the diagnosis and treatment of cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and refractive errors. If you want to book an appointment or learn more about the services offered at Steve Seah Eye Centre, call (65) 6565 6888 or send a message at steveseaheyecentre@gmail.com.

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5 Myths on Glaucoma by Your Singapore Eye Surgeon - Steve Seah

Glaucoma is a progressive disease characterized by fluid build-up in the eye, resulting in excessive pressure in the eye and damaging the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can lead to vision impairment or even complete vision loss. Though the condition is common, particularly as a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, there are still many myths surrounding its cause and treatment.

Here are the most common myths about glaucoma:

Myth #1: Glaucoma affects only the elderly.

Fact: Though the risk of developing the disease is higher in those who are 60 years old and above, the reality is that it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. In fact, one in 10,000 babies are born with glaucoma, while some people, both young and old, can acquire eye conditions leading to secondary glaucoma.

Myth #2: Glaucoma is curable.

Fact: There is no known cure for glaucoma and no way of restoring lost vision. However, there are medications and treatment options available that can help slow the disease, preserve vision and improve quality of life.

Myth #3: Glaucoma has early warning signs and obvious symptoms.

Fact: Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it can go undetected until it is in its advanced stages, when the damage done is already extensive. Having 20/20 vision is not a guarantee that you are not at risk of developing the eye condition. The only way to be safe is to have the optic nerve checked by an ophthalmologist. 

Myth #4: Glaucoma is strictly genetic.

Fact: Family history only increases the risk of developing glaucoma. It doesn’t mean that you will automatically contract the eye condition if you have a relative who has/had it. There are also cases where the patient is the only one in his or her family who has glaucoma.

Myth #5: Glaucoma is only caused by elevated eye pressure.

Fact: An increase in eye pressure, known as ocular hypertension, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have glaucoma. On the contrary, there are people who have normal-level eye pressure, and yet have severe glaucoma. The eye condition can also develop from poor blood flow and injury to the optic nerve.

Steve Seah Eye Centre offers a comprehensive list of services for eye screening, and accurate diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and other corneal conditions. To book an appointment at your Singapore Eye Clinic, call (65) 6565 6888.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma by Steve Seah your Singapore Eye Specialist

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition caused by a pressure build-up in the eyeball that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. As with most illnesses, the earlier glaucoma is detected, the more likely it is to prevent further damage and permanent blindness. Note, however, that though treatments can halt the progression of vision loss, they cannot restore the vision that has already been lost.

Depending on the type or stage of glaucoma, there are various treatments available, ranging from medicinal eyedrops to surgery. You should consult your senior consultant ophthalmologist on the best option for your condition.

Medicinal Eyedrops

The main and most recommended treatment of glaucoma, eyedrops help control intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing fluid production in the eyes, and improving its outward flow. Your doctor should prescribe the right brand and dosage depending on the type of glaucoma you have and your overall health (e.g. any underlying illnesses). Make sure to use the eyedrops as directed by your physician. These are usually applied for life. Common side effects include eye irritation, upper lid elevation, bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery provides a quick and non-invasive way to treat glaucoma. It is conducted in an outpatient setting and usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. It also has many types, depending on the type of glaucoma.

For those with open-angle glaucoma, a trabeculoplasty is performed, where laser is used to correct the drainage angle, allowing fluid to flow out properly and lessening the build-up of pressure.

For those with angle-closure glaucoma, an iridotomy is performed, in which a hole is made in the iris with a laser, leading fluid to the drainage angle.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) is performed for more advanced-stage glaucoma, and that involves destroying the ciliary body to reduce fluid production.

Incisional Surgery

Should medicinal eyedrops and laser surgery prove insufficient to control glaucoma, conventional or incisional surgery is another option. In most cases, trabeculectomy or sclerostomy is performed, in which a tiny drainage hole is made in the white part of the eye (sclera) to help fluid flow out and reduce eye pressure. Typically, the recovery time is two to four weeks.

Implant Surgeries

Another surgical alternative comes in the form of glaucoma drainage devices called aqueous shunts or implants. Composed of a silicone tube, the flexible device is surgically implanted in the eye, allowing the fluid to drain into an external collecting plate, relieving pressure that could damage the optic nerve.

Dr Steve Seah is a senior consultant ophthalmologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataract and refractive errors. To make an appointment with Dr Seah, call (65) 6565 6888 or send us a message at steveseaheyecentre@gmail.com today. 

Dr Steve Seah - Singapore Eye Specialist - Talks About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious, degenerative eye condition that is largely hereditary and can be treated in order to control disease progression; but has no cure. Glaucoma is often hard to detect as symptoms are not obvious in its early stages. The most striking part of glaucoma is that it can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness, if left untreated. Ample knowledge about glaucoma can help you understand the condition better and find out how to prevent its progression while in its early stages.  

Here Are the Things You Need to Know About Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is a slow disease. Glaucoma usually deteriorates progressively over the years when excessive eye pressure builds up, leading to damage in the optic nerves. In untreated cases, it can take an average of 15 years before glaucoma leads to serious vision loss, starting from the periphery.

Glaucoma is most common with older people. The age where glaucoma is best detected is 35, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Meanwhile, people over 60 years old naturally have a much higher risk of getting glaucoma. To be safe, make a visit to an ophthalmologist for a detailed eye screening every one or two years.

Glaucoma is largely hereditary. If your parents, sibling or relative has a history of glaucoma, it is very likely that you will develop it too. In this case, the safest thing to do is to consult your eye doctor and get an eye assessment and early intervention.

Glaucoma eye drops can greatly slow the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma eye drops are usually the primary form of medication to help patients control the pressure in their eyes over a long period of time. The eye drops work by either reducing the intraocular pressure in the eye, reducing fluid production in the eye, or helping the eye’s fluid drain better.

Glaucoma can be diagnosed through tests conducted by your eye doctor. Tonometry and ophthalmoscopy are some of the tests conducted to diagnose glaucoma. A tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye, and an ophthalmoscopy checks for damage in the optic nerve. Your eye doctor may also conduct a vision test to check your peripheral vision, which tends to be affected first in glaucoma.

What Can You Do to Lessen the Risk of Glaucoma?

Although glaucoma is not curable, early detection and treatment can greatly manage its progression and reduce the damage done to your vision.

● Consult your Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist - Consulting your ophthalmologist for an eye check-up can allow the doctor to diagnose and treat your glaucoma while in its early stages, thereby slowing disease progression and preventing further damage.

● Wear Sunglasses - Having glaucoma can make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. Sunglasses that blocks UV rays and come with wraparounds (that curve around the sides of your eyes) are the most effective in giving you relief from glare, and in protecting your eyes.

Other types of sunglasses that can relieve discomfort for glaucoma patients include: polarized glasses, mirror-coated glasses, and photochromic glasses.

·   Polarized glasses cut the reflected glare of light

·  Mirror-coated glasses have reflective coatings that appears like small mirrors. This lowers the amount of entering the eyes

· Photochromic glasses darken immediately when exposed to sunlight and lighten when indoors,convenient option of protective eye-wear

●      Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods - Eating nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables with higher vitamin A and C can help reduce the risks of glaucoma. Some of these include kale, spinach, celery, carrots, peaches, and beets. In addition, pomegranate, acai berries, and cranberries (which are rich in antioxidants) can aid in preventing oxidative stress, commonly associated with the damage of the optic nerve.

●    Regular Exercise - Regular moderate exercise can lower eye pressure and improve blood flow in the eyes. However, the benefits of exercise for glaucoma patients can only be achieved if done consistently. Do note that some rigorous exercises that require inversion of the body like upside-down yoga, pole dancing and scuba diving are not advisable for glaucoma patients.

●   Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods - Eating omega-3 rich foods such as tunas and salmons can help reduce dryness in the eyes. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids combined with Vitamins B and E can also help in improving visual fields and retinal sensitivity.

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Steve Seah, was the former Head and Senior Consultant of the Glaucoma Service at the Singapore National Eye Centre, giving him in-depth experience in the care and treatment for glaucoma patients, which he now specializes in in his practice.

Dr Seah is also proficient in providing quality ophthalmologic services for patients with cataracts, retinal diseases and diabetic retinopathy. If you have any questions or would like to request for additional information about Glaucoma, you may visit our website or call us at 6565 6888 today.