Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who specialize in eye care. They diagnose and treat various eye conditions and diseases.
These experts perform eye exams to assess vision and detect problems like nearsightedness or glaucoma. They also provide prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.
Ophthalmologists also perform surgeries of the eye. They can help with cataract removal and LASIK procedures, to improve vision.
How do you know you need to see an Ophthalmologist?
Your doctor or optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist share vital health details. The ophthalmologist would then inform them about your visit outcome and test results.
This teamwork ensures comprehensive eye care and keeps everyone in the loop for your best health. With that in mind, you may wonder, which signs may indicate that you need to see an ophthalmologist? Here are the seven most notable ones and what they may point at:
I. Blurry Vision
Blurry vision may appear suddenly. It may also develop slowly over time depending on the condition you’re dealing with. Irrespective of how fast it develops, blurry vision can be an indicator of various eye-related conditions including:
* Cataracts: One significant possibility is cataracts, wherein cloudy areas form on the eye’s lens, causing vision to become cloudy and hazy. Age-related cataracts are a common type, and they primarily affect older individuals. Over time, the clouding of the lens can progressively worsen, leading to reduced visual clarity and quality. Cataract surgery is a common and effective treatment option, involving the removal of the clouded natural lens and replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure can significantly restore clear vision and improve overall quality of life.
* Glaucoma: Another concern associated with blurry vision is glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if not managed properly. Glaucoma often develops gradually. It is characterized by increased pressure within the eye, resulting in peripheral vision loss and, eventually, central vision impairment. Regular eye checkups and early detection are crucial for managing glaucoma and preserving vision.
* Macular Degeneration: Blurry or distorted central vision could point to macular degeneration, a condition affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition can significantly impact reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Macular degeneration is more common in older adults. And, it comes in two forms; dry and wet. There is still no cure for macular degeneration. The good news though is that with early diagnosis and lifestyle changes, you may be able to slow its progression.
II. Frequent Eye Strain
Frequent eye strain, particularly after tasks like reading or prolonged screen use, can be a sign that your eyes are working harder to focus. This could indicate the need for prescription glasses or a change in your current prescription.
* Prescription Needs: Regular eye strain could be an indicator of underlying refractive errors that have not been corrected. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can cause your eyes to strain as they try to compensate for these vision problems. Wearing the appropriate corrective eyewear can alleviate this strain and enhance visual comfort.
* Digital Eye Strain: Digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome occurs due to prolonged screen time and can lead to symptoms such as eye discomfort, dryness, headache, and difficulty focusing. Adjusting screen settings, taking frequent breaks, and following the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can help alleviate these symptoms.
* Dry Eye Syndrome: Frequent eye strain might also be related to dry eye syndrome, where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This cannot only result in itching. It may also cause burning, redness, and discomfort. Artificial tears, lifestyle adjustments, and medical treatments can provide relief.
III. Persistent Eye Discomfort
Ongoing discomfort, itching, burning, or redness in the eyes shouldn’t be taken lightly. They can signify various eye conditions including;
* Allergic Reactions: If your eyes frequently feel itchy, watery, or irritated, allergies could be the culprit. A good example is allergic conjunctivitis. This condition is triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
* Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Redness, itching, and a gritty sensation could indicate conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the clear tissue that cover the white part of your eyes and the inside of the eyelids. Depending on the cause, treatment may involve antibiotics. You may also be prescribed antiviral medications, or simply time for the infection to clear.
* Eye Infections: Persistent discomfort might also be a sign of an eye infection, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. An ophthalmologist can diagnose the specific infection and recommend appropriate treatment.
IV. Flashes of Light, and Floaters
The sudden appearance of flashes of light or an increase in floaters requires immediate attention due to their association with retinal detachment or retinal tear.
* Retinal Detachment/Tear: Flashes of light, described as lightning bolts or sparks in your vision, could indicate a retinal detachment or tear. The retina is essential for vision. It may detach from the underlying tissue, leading to partial or complete vision loss. Floaters are small specks or cobweb-like shapes that seem to drift in your vision. They can also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
V. Loss of Peripheral Vision
Peripheral vision is the ability to see objects to the sides while looking straight ahead. Loss of peripheral vision can be an early indicator of glaucoma.
Detecting glaucoma in its early stages is essential for managing the condition and preventing irreversible vision loss. Depending on the severity and type of glaucoma, you may only need eye drops. Your ophthalmologist may also prescribe oral medications or recommend laser therapy, and surgery.
VI. Rainbow-Colored Halos around Lights
Seeing rainbow-colored halos around lights, especially at night, could indicate problems affecting the clarity of your eye’s lens. Key among these problems is cataracts.
As the eye’s lens becomes clouded due to cataract formation, it can scatter light, leading to the perception of halos around light sources. This can significantly impact night driving and overall visual acuity.
VII. Double Vision
Double vision, where objects appear duplicated or overlapping, can stem from various eye-related and neurological factors including:
* Refractive Errors and Eye Muscle Issues: Problems with the cornea, lens, or the muscles controlling eye movement can lead to double vision. Conditions like astigmatism or misalignment of the eyes (strabismus) can cause the eyes to send conflicting signals to the brain, resulting in double vision.
* Neurological Factors: Double vision can also be a sign of more serious issues involving the brain, such as a brain injury, stroke, or certain neurological disorders. These conditions disrupt the normal coordination of the eyes, leading to the perception of double images.
It’s a Wrap!
Good eyesight is key for a good overall well-being. Changes in vision, discomfort, or unusual symptoms should never be ignored.
While some issues might be simple to address, others could indicate more serious underlying conditions. So, do not hesitate to see an ophthalmologist if your optometrist have recommended an appointment with one. If you’re looking for a skilled and experienced ophthalmologist in Singapore, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Call or visit us at:
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/
