What Is Visual Field Testing?

Your visual field is the entire area of your field of vision than can been seen when the eyes are focused on a single point. Visual field testing is one way helps your ophthalmologist determine your peripheral vision and how much vision loss may have occurred over time.

The visual field can be tested in a few different ways:

• confrontation visual field test
• automated perimetry test
• tangent screen test

Using the results of these tests will help your eye doctor to determine if you are having trouble seeing in certain areas of your visual field, as well as possible causes for these difficulties.

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High Risk of Blindness for Women

Why are women at higher risk?
It is not particularly clear why women suffer vision loss more likely than men, yet both genders can develop vision loss due to cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration that sooner will lead to blindness if not properly taken care of. But according to the study of the American Academy of Ophthalmology that most patients encountered all these eye conditions, 61% are women.

Then other findings say according to the World Health Organization the reason of why women develop vision loss more often than men because they outlive men by around six to eight years, which results in age-related vision loss.


Learn more about the topic:
http://www.kadrmaseyecare.com/eye-health--care-blog/womens-risk-of-blindness-womens-eye-and-health-safety-month

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Ophthalmic Community Mourns Loss to Spencer Thornton, MD

The ophthalmic community mourns the loss of Spencer Thornton, MD, a refractive eye surgery expert who has become an advocate for his specialty and a role model for younger peers.

Dr. Thornton passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Oct. 26, 2019, in his home in Nashville, TN, surrounded by family and friends.

Dr. Thornton received an MD from Wake Forest University's Bowman Gray School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmology training at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He was an ophthalmology clinical professor at Tennessee University, in Memphis. As an instructor in traumatic surgery at the Brook Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, he has represented his country as a captain in the United States Army Medical Corps during the Korean conflict.

For more information on this article please visit this link:
https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/article/ophthalmic-community-mourns-loss-refractive-pioneer-spencer-thornton-md

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Low Risk COVID 19 Transmission through Tears

Every day there is new information added to our current knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome COVID-19 virus and how it works.

Based on the different research it's clear that the virus can be transmitted in droplets spread through coughing and sneezing by infected patients, a new study found that the virus does not seem to be present in the tears of those patients.

But transmission through infected ocular tissue or fluid is still a controversial topic among eye specialists because there is a hypothesized that the nasolacrimal system can act as a conduit for viruses to travel from the upper respiratory tract to the eye.

As more information about COVID-19 emerges, this research will continue to undergo revision to try to ensure eye care services.

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Recommended Singapore Eye Clinic

Steve Seah Eye Centre is a eye clinic in Singapore that is fully equipped with modern equiments to treat a range of eye disorders such as glaucoma and cataract. We also provide accurate diagnosis for different types of eye diseases using diabetic eye examination, squint assessment, and contact lens eye disorders.

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5 Signs You Need New Contacts

If you’ve been wearing contact lenses for several years, then you’ve probably been guilty of wearing them way past their expiration. In fact, some of you may not even be aware that your prescription lenses have an expiry date! You’re not alone. With prescription uses ranging from daily to yearly, it’s hard to keep track when you should get a fresh pair of lenses. Yet replacing your old contacts is one of the best things you can do to keep your eyes healthy.

Here are some telltale signs you need to replace your contact lens:

1. Your lenses appear cloudy even after rinsing them in saline solution. This is an indication that bacteria have built up in your lenses and should you continue to use them, you’re putting yourself at risk for eye infections. Moving forward, washing your hands before handling contact lenses, cleaning the lens case, and using fresh saline solution can prevent bacteria from spreading quickly.
2. Your lenses feel uncomfortable or are irritating your eyes. This may be a sign that your lenses are already damaged. Before putting them on, make sure to check for scratches and tears. If there are none, you may want to give your contact lenses a thorough saline rinse to clear them from all dirt and debris. If you do find scratches, then it’s time to say goodbye!
3. Your lenses are misshapen. If you notice any permanent dents and bends on your contact lenses, it’s a sign that you need to get a new pair to avoid eye injury and infections.
4. You experience frequent headaches, eye fatigue and blurry vision. Such symptoms indicate that you need to visit your doctor and get a new prescription.
5. Your current lenses don’t have UV protection. Newer models of lenses are designed to be more breathable and durable against sum damage. Plus, they can protect you from cataracts and macular degeneration.

When in doubt, you can always ask your ophthalmologist for help in keeping you up-to-date on your contact lens prescription. 

Dr Steve Seah is your go-to ophthalmologist for the management of all eye issues, including cataracts and glaucoma. He is always available for consultations and eye screening exams. For appointments, call 6565-6888.

Do I Need Glasses? Watch Out for These 10 Signs – Dr Steve Seah

Having trouble reading road signs at night? Has your vision suddenly gotten blurry? It may be time to get glasses.

Nowadays, having poor eyesight is not at all uncommon. It can be caused by many things, from age and genetics to bad habits and eye illnesses. Fortunately, most cases of refractive errors can be corrected with a simple eyeglass prescription. Here are 10 signs you need to visit your ophthalmologist and get a pair of glasses:

1. You find yourself constantly squinting to get a clearer image of an out-of-focus object.  
2. You experience eye fatigue, strain or pain even after getting enough rest or sleep, or even if you’re not diagnosed with an eye infection or other health issues.
3. You get frequent headaches caused by constantly straining the eyes to see better.
4. You have blurry or distorted vision, which are signs of nearsightedness or farsightedness.
5. You are seeing double, which may be indicative of astigmatism or cataracts.
6. You’re having trouble seeing at night, specifically while reading or driving.
7. You often see halos or auras around lights, especially at night.
8. Your eyes find it difficult to adjust to sudden light changes.
9. You have trouble watching TV, using the computer or reading for a prolonged period.
10. You feel pressure behind your eyes, which might indicate glaucoma.

While some of these signs do not 100% mean you have poor vision, they do tell you that you are due for a trip to your ophthalmologist. Your doctor can help determine if you have poor vision or an underlying eye disease, as well as prescribe the best course of action.

If you want to have your eyes checked and check out the possible treatments for poor vision, call senior consultant ophthalmologist Steve Seah at 6565-6888 today.

Am I a Candidate for LASIK Surgery?

A simple prescription for eyeglasses or contacts is already enough to correct vision problems such as myopia, presbyopia and astigmatism for most people. Corrective eyewear, however, are only temporary and constantly need upgrading every few months or year. For some people with very high prescriptions, or those who want a more permanent solution to blurry eyesight, LASIK treatments are recommended.

However, LASIK is not for everybody. Here’s a short checklist to help you determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure or not:

Age: Most ophthalmologists require their patient to be 18 years old and above to be an eligible candidate for LASIK. At this time, your eyes would have fully matured and have a more stable prescription.

Overall health: You should be in generally good health, meaning that you are not diagnosed with any conditions that may be worsened by LASIK surgery, or impede healing after LASIK. Such disorders include diabetes, and vascular and autoimmune illnesses.

Eye health: Similarly, you should not have chronic eye problems that can affect the results of LASIK surgery, as well as influence healing time and full recovery. Alternative options for LASIK are usually recommended for those with severe dry eyes, glaucoma, keratoconus, strabismus and lazy eye.

Stable vision: It is recommended that you first have a stable eye prescription for one whole year before undergoing LASIK treatments.

Corneal thickness: Likewise, you should have a corneal thickness of not less than 0.5mm to qualify as a candidate for LASIK surgery.

If you meet all the requirements above, then you have a higher chance of getting a go-signal to have LASIK treatments. To be 100% sure, however, you’re still recommended to visit the right ophthalmologist for further testing to determine not only your eligibility, but also how to ensure the procedure’s success.

Dr. Steve Seah is a sought-after senior consultant ophthalmologist in Singapore specializing in LASIK treatments and other laser-assisted procedures to manage eye disorders such as cataracts and glaucoma. Schedule an appointment with him today at 6565-6888.

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.