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Do you strain your eyes to look at things far away? Is your vision blurred to the point you can't see anything? You may be having an eye problem that needs immediate attention. Singapore National Eye Centre experts list the 5 most common eye conditions you should look into.
1. MYOPIA
What it is
Myopia occurs when the eye can see near objects, but distant objects appear blurred or not apparent at all. The cause has not been determined, but it is believed that environmental factors such as excessive near work may contribute.
Who gets it
Risks are higher if you are Chinese and if either one or both of your parents are myopic.
Solution
Spectacles and/or contact lenses. There is also Laser-in-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), which offers a permanent correction. Wavefront-guided LASIK may give improved results in selected individuals. NeuroVisionä, a series of computer-based interactive exercises, can help low degrees of myopia.
2. RETINAL PROBLEMS
What it is
There are 2 common serious retinal problems - retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy. The former occurs when the retina (the "film" of the eye) is separated from the outer layers of the eye. This leads to vision impairment or complete loss of vision. Retinal detachment is caused by holes or tears in the retina. These holes or tears allow fluid to enter, which separates the retina from the underlying layers of the eye. Early symptoms for retinal detachment include floating black specks and flashes of light. In severe cases, there may be a dark shadow, blurred vision or blindness. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when diabetes damages tiny blood vessels inside the retina, which may result in blindness.
Who gets it
Women who have had cataract surgery or a family history of the condition, and women with high myopia degrees are susceptible to retinal detachment. Diabetic retinopathy only affects women with diabetes.
Solution
Surgery, freezing or cryopexy and laser photocoagulation for retinal detachment. Laser photo-coagulation and vitrectomy surgery for diabetic retinopathy. All diabetics should be screened annually for diabetic retinopathy.
3. GLAUCOMA
What it is
Glaucoma usually occurs when there is increased fluid pressure within the eyeball. This damages the optic nerve and may lead to blindness. It is caused by an imbalance between the production and drainage of fluid in the eyeball. There are 2 main types of glaucoma: Open-angle and closed-angle. Open-angle glaucoma does not have any symptoms until late in the disease, while closed-angle glaucoma can produce eye pain, redness, headache, nausea and vomitting, blurred vision and haloes.
Who gets it
Both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma tend to affect the middle-aged and the elderly. Chinese women in this age group are more prone to closed-angle glaucoma.
Solution
Treatment includes eyedrops or tablets, laser and surgery.
4. CATARACT
What it is
Cataract is a condition where the clear lens of the eye turns cloudy. This affects vision as it prevents sufficient light from entering the eye. It is a result of the ageing process, constant exposure to UV light, certain long-term medication and illnesses. The primary indications are blurred vision that cannot be fixed by regular eye aids, and increasing myopia.
Who gets it
It usually affects women above 55, but is also seen in younger women.
Solution
Phacoemulsification surgery is a permanent cure.
5. THYROID EYE DISEASE
What it is
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is an eye disease of the thyroid gland that is responsible for regulating body metabolism. TED sufferers tend to have a staring appearance, protruding eyeballs, puffy eyelids, and double or blurred vision. At times, redness, tearing and gritty sensation of the eye will occur.
Who gets it
Women are more commonly affected than men.
Solution
Decompressive surgery to make the eyeballs less bulging; squint surgery to treat double vision and corrective elevation of the eye; and eyelid surgery such as blepharoplasty and lid retraction to reduce lid puffiness and a staring appearance.
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Eye Care Tips
- Screen your eyes regularly. Early detection increases the chance of curing eye diseases. When outdoors, use sun shades to protect eyes against UV light. This helps to prevent cataract. Always ensure you read under good light. This helps to prevent strain on the eye.
- After about half an hour of near work such as craftwork or handheld games, take a break by looking away or at distant objects.
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WHEN TO SCREEN
Glaucoma: If you are 40 and above, go for annual eye screenings, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma. Women in the high-risk categories should also check their eyes yearly.
Cataract: Screen your eyes for cataract if you are taking long-term oral steroids, and if your recent blurring of vision cannot be corrected with spectacles.
Myopia: Check your eyes at least once a year.
Thyroid Eye Disease: Screen your eyes if you have a thyroid condition.
Retinal Problems: For retinal detachment, have regular screenings if you have severe myopia. For diabetic retinopathy, have your eyes screened annually if you have diabetes. |