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290 Orchard Rd, #13-07 The Paragon, Singapore 238859

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Eye Screening Singapore

What is an eye screening?

An eye screening is a set of procedures that evaluate eye health through tests performed by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist). An eye check up helps to diagnose eye diseases such as cataracts (cloudiness in the eye), glaucoma (damage to optic nerve) and other types of diseases of the retina (part of the eye that sends signals through optic nerve to the brain).

It is imperative to go for regular eye check ups in Singapore as many eye diseases like cataracts and glacuoma do not have symptoms. When detected and treated early, we can prevent vision loss from occurring especially at a young age.

An eye screening can also prescribe you with the right spectacles for common conditions such as myopia.

How is an eye screening in Singapore carried out?

During the screening, your doctor checks the external part of your eyes such as the eyelids and its surroundings. He or she will also examine inner parts of the eye such as the conjunctiva (mucuous membrane of the eye) and cornea (front of the eye) for any signs of eye disease.

At Asia Wellness, rest assured that your screenings will be carried out by our experienced and talented ophthalmologists.

Types of eye screenings in Singapore

Visual Acuity 

A visual acuity test, or distance vision test, is able to check for the sharpness of your vision. It tests your eye’s ability to read alphabets and numbers at various sizes on a chart about 6 meters away from where you are seated or standing. A visual acuity test can help with prescribing the right glasses if vision problems are detected.

Tonometry

A tonometry test measures the amount of pressure inside the eyes. Your cornea will be flattered using a probe or an electronic device after administering numbing eye drops to the eye. A tonometry test is typically done to diagnose glaucoma, where the cornea becomes cloudy due to fluid not being drained fast enough in the eye (high intraocular pressure). This buildup of fluid affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Retina Exam

A retina exam checks the back portion of the eye to examine its structures such as the retina, optic disk and blood vessels that supply blood to the retina. A special laser is used to see into your eye (ophthalmoscope) after dilating your eyes with eye drops. Your doctor will scan your eyes during a retina exam while you are asked to look straight ahead. This will ensure he or she can have a clear view of the inside of your eyes.

Digital Eye Health Screening

A digital eye health screening is when an eye screening test is done and recorded using a computer instead of taking measurements manually. While similar to old methods, it uses new technology to ensure that an eye check up will take a shorter time. A digital eye health screening is even able to perform checks such as measuring the curvature of your cornea by looking into a machine.

How to prepare for an eye health screening in Singapore?

  • Avoid too much screen time prior to the check up to ensure less eye fatigue
  • Do not wear contact lenses during the eye health screening
  • Have a good night’s sleep to improve comfort level during check up

Prior to the check up, patients are expected to bring along their spectacles and contact lenses so that the doctor may evaluate their performance. He or she may also prescribe new lenses should there be any changes in your eyesight. 

You may be given eye drops to dilate your pupils to help with the eye tests. Patients should bring along a pair of sunglasses to shield their eyes as these eye drops can cause sensitivity to light for around 4 to 6 hours after.

You are also advised to avoid caffeine and alcohol before undergoing an eye health screening. This is because these substances are likely to raise your blood pressure (detected through blood vessels in the retina) and cause your results to be inaccurate.

When do you need to undergo an eye check up?

Regular eye health screenings every 1 to 2 years are recommended to ensure that eye prescriptions are correct and vision problems do not worsen. They are also done when a patient experiences abnormal symptoms such squinting their eyes when reading or watching television, excessive blinking and tilting their head when performing daily activities (ocular torticollis). 

An eye check up helps your doctor identify and correct any eye condition(s) you may be suffering from. You should also let your doctor know about any eye conditions that are present in the family.

Some eye conditions that may require an eye check up include: 

  • Cataracts
  • Myopia
  • Tumours and eye cancers
  • Presbyopia
  • Glaucoma
  • Macular degeneration (AMD)

What happens after an eye health screening in Singapore?

After the screening, you will receive your results almost immediately. If you are found to be suffering from an eye disease, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. It is advised that you do not drive after an eye check up as your eyesight will be blurred for a few hours after. It is also important that you do not partake in strenuous activities for the day to allow your eyes to rest and recover.
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