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 Daily Habits That Are Hurting Your Eyes by Steve Seah - Your Singapore Eye Specialist

Your eyes are your windows to the world, but how often do you take care of them?

Good eye health starts with a choice, and whether you know it or not, you actually make a choice every second, every day. Here are five ways you may not realize you’re hurting your eyes and what you can do about them:

#1. Getting too much screen time. Staring at your smartphone and computer screens for a long time leads to eye strain, and dry and tired eyes, which in turn leads to blurred vision, headaches and dizziness. Since we are at an age where exposure to digital technology is unavoidable, the best workaround to limit your screen time is with the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something from 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple step will give your eyes a much-needed break and reduce eye strain. Enlarging the text on your screens and avoiding using your gadgets at night will also prevent fatigue and sleep disorders.

#2. Rubbing your eyes. As tempting as it may be, rubbing your eyes when they get dry or itchy is a big no-no. It may actually do more harm than good. Excessive rubbing can break the blood vessels in the eyelids, and spread germs and bacteria into the eyes if your hands are dirty. Using tear drops or an ice compress is the better alternative to washing away debris from your eyes, calm an itch or bring instant relief.

#3. Wearing your contact lens for too long. This includes wearing them in the shower or while sleeping, or wearing overused contact lenses with an expired prescription. While convenient, doing these increases the risk of bacteria entering your eye and causing infections, even blindness. The simple solution is to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your contacts, from the use of solution to the replacement schedule. Trading in your contact lens for prescription glasses at certain points of the day will also let your eyes rest and breath.

#4. Not wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses are not only for fashion, they help protect your eyes from exposure to the sun’s UV rays, which puts you at risk for conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration. As much as possible, when you go out, put on a pair of sunglasses, or UV-protected eyeglasses or contact lenses. Pairing your shades with caps and visors is also a plus.

#5. Not visiting your eye doctor. Having your eyes checked regularly by your ophthalmologist, especially if you feel that something is wrong, is the best way to ensure eye health and detect vision-impairing conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration at their earliest.  

Dr. Steve Seah is a sought-after Singapore eye specialist with an extensive clinical experience in the management of various eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataract and refractive errors. Schedule an appointment for eye screening at 6565-6888

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.