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Usually, cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This cloudiness can cause blurry or hazy vision, halos around lights, double vision, and difficulty seeing at night.
The main cause of cataracts is age-related changes in the lens tissue, changes which may lead to the breakdown of proteins and fibers. Also, certain inherited disorders and health conditions, such as diabetes or prolonged exposure to sunlight, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
You may be recommended cataract screening in Singapore if you’ve had vision changes which are suspected to be due to cataracts. Read more: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/eye-screening/.
Regular cataract screening is actually stressed upon as this condition can have gradual effects on your eyes—some that you may not even be able to spot at first on your own. Screening for cataracts is also stressed upon because even though cataracts commonly affect older adults, they can also affect younger people due to factors like injury or medication use.
So, what is Cataract Screening?
It might come as a surprise if you’re being recommended cataract screening in Singapore for the first time. If you’ve never had the exam or seen someone close to you get screened for cataracts you may naturally wonder; what is cataract screening? It is simple;
Cataract screening is a diagnostic process for identifying cataracts, the condition which causes the eye’s lens to cloud leading to vision impairment. The assessment should be done by a board-certified eye care specialists like an ophthalmologist for example.
The assessment itself involves various measurements and tests to assess your eye health and visual acuity. And it isn’t just about the eye test. Think of the whole process as an opportunity to discuss important aspects of cataract surgery. These aspects can range from your lens preferences and the risks and benefits involved.
How is Cataract Screening Done?
To begin with, if you’ve been referred for cataract screening in Singapore, your eye doctor will begin by assessing your medical history and symptoms. They may then proceed to perform various tests to confirm or rule out diagnosis. Some of the tests that may be recommended for you to check for cataracts include;
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Eye Structure Exam (Slit Lamp)
This eye exam for cataract screening in Singapore is also known as biomicroscopy. It provides a detailed view of the eye’s anterior segment which includes the cornea, iris, and lens.
The slit lamp’s magnification and illumination help the doctor detect cataracts by examining the clouding or opacities in the lens. It allows the doctor to focus a thin, intense line of light on the eye so they can visualize these structures in detail. The Slit Lamp test allows for a comprehensive assessment of cataracts and other eye conditions.
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Fluid Pressure Test (Applanation Tonometry)
This test measures intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye. IOP which is the s the fluid force or pressure inside of your eyes is not only crucial in assessing the risk of developing cataracts.
It also helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like glaucoma. The test typically involves gently pressing a calibrated instrument against the cornea to measure the force required to flatten a small area. This measurement helps determine the pressure inside the eye, as increased IOP can indicate a problem that may lead to cataracts or other eye issues.
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Vision Test (Visual Acuity Test)
A visual acuity test is a standard part of an eye exam. It is typically performed using a Snellen chart which displays rows of letters that decrease in size from top to bottom.
For this test, you will need to read the letters aloud as you cover one eye at a time. This test helps assess how well you can see at various distances. Any difficulties in reading the chart may indicate a refractive error or the presence of cataracts that is affecting your visual acuity.
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Retinal Exam
This test is also known as ophthalmoscopy. It allows your eye doctor to visualize the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye.
After dilating the pupils with eye drops, your eye doctor will use a slit lamp or handheld ophthalmoscope to examine the condition of your retina condition. The exam helps detect cataracts by revealing any changes in the lens’s transparency or other abnormalities. It also aids in evaluating the overall health of the eye and detecting any underlying conditions that may contribute to cataract development.
How long does a Cataract Eye Test Take?
Many people who visit our clinic for cataract screening in Singapore also frequently ask; how long does a cataract eye test take?
Well, a cataract eye test shouldn’t take too much time. Usually, cataract eye tests take about 90 minutes. But, they’re comprehensive exams which allow for proper assessments of your situation. Real quick, here’s what to expect;
To begin with, ensure you arrange transportation on the day of your cataract screening in Singapore. This is important as your eyes will be dilated and make driving on your own unsafe.
When you arrive at the facility, you should expect to be engaged with a technician who will try to understand how the cataract affects your vision and your overall ocular and general health. This is essentially a question-and-answer session where you should be free to share any pertinent health details.
Following the assessments, you may be recommended for vision tests eye measurements and pupil dilation. If tests are recommended, you can expect to be served with forms to fill out. Also if surgery is recommended a provider will ensure you understand not just the surgery’s benefits but also the risks.
Next, you may be directed to an ophthalmologist in the same facility. This eye specialist will attentively listen to your symptoms and conduct a thorough eye examination.
They will assess not only the cataract but also your overall eye health. They will then propose treatment options, and together, you’ll decide the next steps.
And do keep in mind that, cataract surgery is elective. So, it is ideal that you base your decision on your daily visual complications.
If surgery is chosen, a good ophthalmologist will provide further information and a prescription to be initiated two days before the procedure. Also, additional tests may be recommended to ensure all necessary assessments are completed upfront.
Before departure, you’ll receive the surgery date. You will also be given a pre-operative package which comes with instructions, a prescription, and sunglasses for post-surgery use.
Wrapping Up
Just as it sounds, the key focus of your cataract screening in Singapore is to check if you have cataracts. The assessment itself is usually quick and you’re free to ask any questions that may be bugging you. Refer to the details below to make arrangements for your cataract screening in Singapore;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
