Your eyes become more susceptible to disease and damage with age. Aside from cataract, or clouding of the lens of the eyes, you may develop eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy – which display no symptoms during the early stages. It is only through early detection and treatment that you will be able to slow down or even reverse the progression of eye disease.

Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant from the Department of General Cataract and Comprehensive Ophthalmology at Singapore National Eye Centre, gives detailed answers to your questions.

Question by mkh2078

Good evening Doctor!

I am 60 and wearing spectacles since I was 18. At that time, I had also undergone radiotheraphy focusing around the head for nose cancer. 3 years back, I have been seeing double vision. Went to snec and the doctor said nothing can be done due to the side effects of radiotheraphy. I was given prism to stick to my glasses to reduce the double vision. the prism does help but the vision is not as clear as before. Now, my near vision is also seeing double.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

Thank you for your question. You may go to a spectacle shop to re-test your spectacle power. If it does not improve, please return to SNEC for re-evaluation.

Question by ktphua

Dear Dr.Wang,

It been 8 months since I had my right eye cataract removal but the floaters still lingering in my vision field in the shape of small dots, squiggles or worm-like floaters. Despite on-going TCM treatments (so far 15 sessions of acupuncture) and in-addition to taking advanced eyecare vitamin and had not seen any improvement in minimize floaters. I was given discharged at CGH after follow up appointment.( No retina detachment). Please help and advise.

Rdgs, Kok Too

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

Floaters are shadows of degenerative debris, protein and pigmented cells within the vitreous, hence of various shapes and sizes. Your body cannot remove them. Fortunately, they are not vision threatening and there are no safe surgery to remove them. Once your doctor has established that there are no retinal breaks or detachment, it is un-necessary to follow –up medically.

Question by fareethamajid

Hello! What are floaters? What caused them? Are they a cause for concern? What must I do if I already have it and any preventive and precautionary measures?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

Floaters are more common in myopes. They are shadows of degenerative debris, protein and pigmented cells within the vitreous, hence of various shapes and sizes. Your body cannot remove them. Fortunately, they are not vision threatening and there are no safe surgery to remove them. Once your doctor has established that there are no retinal breaks or detachment, it is un-necessary to follow –up medically. It is degenerative and unpreventable.

Question by [email protected]

Dr Wang, Why do I see a flash light off and on on my right eye? I am 65 yrs of age and have hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes which are all under control. Please advise.

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

These flashes are termed photopsia. They represent traction of degenerated vitreous (jelly) on the retina which it is attached to when your eyes move. No treatment is necessary as they generally subside with time. However, if you experience a sudden appearance of a swarm of black dots followed quickly by the appearance of cobwebs in your vision (this represents bleeding). It is the result of tearing and bleeding of the retina. In another scenario, a big black “curtain” can cover the vision in the affected eye. This is the sign of retinal detachment. In both circumstances, please go to A/E right away.

Question by paulinethen

Dear Dr Wang, My 80YO dad has been diagnosed with non-diabetic Vitreous Haemorrhage for >2yrs now. He has visited both SNEC and TTSH for diagnosis but the result is non-conclusive. He very much want to know can the residual blood in his R-eye be completely discharged without undergoing vitrectomy surgery. Kindly advise.

Thank you.
Pauline

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

Dear Pauline,

Your father’s condition sounds rather special. Though vitreous haemorrhages do clear with time, some may take a very long time. Surgery may be necessary for faster visual rehabilitation or for diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please discuss with your doctor the best option based on his clinical condition.

Question by sbdtys

Dear doctor,

I am unable to see clearly with my right eye. I'm 38 years old and delivered a baby last year. I've appointment today as they said there was inflammation in the retina in both eyes but affecting the right eye a lot. Could you tell me if this condition can be cured?

Thanks.

Answered by Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan, Senior Consultant, General Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, SNEC

Thank you for your question, there are myriads of conditions that can cause retinitis. Asking your doctor for the diagnosis will be very helpful. There should be ample information on prognosis once your diagnosis is established.

Ref: R14