Things to Do When Selecting an Eye Doctor

Getting old is inevitable, and sooner or later we will be needing to go to the eye doctor for some consolation because there will come a point in our lives where we will experience some discomfort in our eyes.  Our eyes are one of the most soft and delicate part of our body, we must take care of it since it plays big role in accomplishing important activities in our lives.

Visiting the eye doctor is easy, but finding a trustworthy and respectable one, well that is hard. Here are some of the things you can do before choosing an eye doctor:

Ask for References

Remember the time when you bought something online and you checked the reviews first before you purchased the item? Well, that works well with doctors too. The internet is vast and immense and it can tell you a lot of things if you just choose the right keywords when searching. Look for some reviews in the internet, or ask your friends or relatives if they can recommend a trusted eye doctor in Singapore. You can also think of everyone you know who wears glasses, they all have eye doctors.

Find a Pleasant Clinic

A pleasant office will build long-lasting relationships to patients. These offices have qualities like sincerity and genuineness.

They take their time to know their patients very well, like the details about their vision requirements and lifestyle, the right prescription for their eyeglasses or contact lenses. A good office will encourage their patients to have regular eye exams even though they do not wear eyeglasses or contacts, and even if their vision is sharp.

Most patients want a clinic that can help them with everything about their eye care needs. Choose a doctor you are comfortable with and that you can confide in, because eye health has a big impact in the quality of life.

Look for an Eye Doctor that is Punctual

If your doctor shows up on time, it means that he is dependable. Being punctual shows that your doctor respects you and your time. There are doctors that will try to work in emergency visits during the day, that is why they tend to leave gaps in their schedules in case they have emergency visits in a day. These are the good doctors, who think ahead of time for their patients.

Your eyes serve as a window to your overall health. It is a vital part of your everyday life, that is why your choice of a good eye doctor is not one that should be taken lightly.

Dr Steve Seah is a senior consultant ophthalmologist, He has a vast clinical experience in the treatment of glaucoma. He is recognized for his work in LASIK and received training by world-renowned presbyopia LASIK expert and he was also selected as the head and senior consultant of Glaucoma Service in Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) as well as head of Glaucoma Research Unit in Singapore Eye Research Institute. If you have any questions or would like to request for additional information concerning our Singapore Eye Surgeon, then click on our website http://www.steveseaheyecentre.com.

Understanding Glaucoma by Dr. Steve Seah

What is Glaucoma?Glaucoma is an eye disease where the high fluid pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve’s delicate fibres. These fibres serve to carry the visual impulses from the eyes to the brain and if left untreated can lead to vision loss. Some cases of blindness in Singapore accounts for glaucoma. What are the types of Glaucoma?

• Open-angle glaucoma or wide-angle glaucoma

This type of glaucoma occurs when the trabercular meshwork (drainage canal of the eye) is not anatomically blocked. The drainage sites are wide open but the drainage canal is clogged by very tiny collections of material causing for less fluid to leave the eye.When the eye continues to make fluid in the ciliary body, the pressure increases and overtime leads to optic nerve damage. Because of the fact that it is painless, a significant damage may have already started without the patient even noticing it. Open angle glaucoma is often treated using eye drops so that the pressure is lowered down. An eye doctor may also suggest for an advanced method so that the intraocular pressure can be lowered down.

• Angle-closure glaucoma or acute or chronic angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is rare. The drainage canal of the eye reduces the outflow of fluid because it is very narrow or completely occluded. This eye condition can be experienced by farsighted patients. This eye condition leads to a sudden increase in the eye pressure. Accurate angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate medical attention.What are the risk factors in developing Glaucoma?

• Age - For people 50 years old and above, there is an increased risk of developing this eye condition.

• Family History - Glaucoma especially open angle glaucoma runs in families.

• Medical History - Diabetes – one is at risk of developing a certain type of glaucoma if they have a high blood pressure or diabetes.

• Medicines - This is especially for long-term use of corticosteroid medications.

What are its Signs and Symptoms?

• Narrowing of vision (tunnel vision)

Eye that looks hazyPain in the eyeRedness in the eyeHalosVision LossHow to diagnose Glaucoma?

• Visual Acuity Test

This is done by testing the vision of the patient using different lenses so the eye doctor can tell if the vision can be improved using contact lenses or regular glasses. The procedure is simple, the patient is asked to look straight ahead using the standard eye testing chart.

• Dilated Eye Exam

This can also be called as the optic disc photography test to check the shape and color of the optic nerve. First, the pupil is dilated with the use of eye drops. Then, the optic nerve is magnified for examination.

• Visual Field Test

This examination tests the complete field of vision. The patient is asked to look straight ahead to determine if she is unable to see the light and at what certain point of his or her periphery vision. The eye doctor tests the patient’s field of vision as a whole.

• Pachymetry

Tests the thickness of the cornea. A pachymeter is placed gently on the front of the eye to measure its thickness.

• Tonometry 

Tests the fluid pressure of the eyes. The eye will be placed under local anaesthesia so that the examiner can use thetonometer to measure the pressure of the eye by applying pressure through a puff of warm air.What are the treatments for Glaucoma?

• Surgery

Surgical procedures can be suggested by the ophthalmologist once the desired results are not achieved using medications. An example of this is a laser surgery usually performed for open-angle glaucoma. The procedure is usually painless and changes the drainage system of the eye.

• Medicines

• Eye Drops - With the use of eye drops, pressure in the eye can be significantly reduced. The eye drops contain beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that reduces the fluid production in the eye, thus reduces pressure accumulation as well.

• Pills – Usually prescribed in paired to eye drops. The purpose of which is to also lessen the fluid production in the eyes. Pills can be potentially dangerous that is why the eye doctor needs to properly guide the patient for medications.

Steve Seah Eye Centre is a dedicated ophthalmic centre that is equipped with advanced equipment providing clients the access to quality and personalized eye care. It continues to adhere to the highest standard of quality healthcare and commitment to patients. Some of the specialized services includes eye screening, corneal conditions, contact lens related conditions, retinal disease, etc.Dr Steve Seah’s clinic is conveniently located in One Orchard Boulevard #16-01/02 Camden Medical Centre Singapore 248649. To know more about Glaucoma, you may visit http://singaporeglaucoma.com.sg/ or see Dr Steve Seah’s profile at http://www.steveseaheyecentre.com/en/index.html.