When it comes to maintaining good overall health, regular eye screening in Singapore isn’t a topic that is talked about much. However, regular screenings are crucial for maintaining good eye health.
From detecting vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness to astigmatism early, timely eye screening also allows for timely treatment. What’s more, eye screenings can reveal underlying health conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which may first manifest in the eyes.
But just how often should you get your eyes checked? And, what is the usual age for vision screening? Keep reading to find out.
How Often Should an Eye Test Be Done?
Living with vision problems does not only complicate your day-to-day life. They also put you at risk of several issues including driving accidents and falls, etc. But, most eye and vision problems do not display any obvious signs. So, it isn’t always easy to tell when you have a problem thus the question; how often should an eye test be done?
Eye tests should be done every two to three years or as advised by your optician. Prompt check-ups are particularly crucial if you notice any vision changes. These tests assess your central and peripheral vision to ensure early detection of any eye issues.
Regular screenings are key to maintaining good eye health. When going for a comprehensive eye screening in Singapore, some of the tests you may be recommended include;
Eye Health Evaluation
Just as it sounds, eye health evaluation as part of your eye screening in Singapore is all about assessing the health of your eyes. For this, your eye doctor can use a range of advanced tools, including microscopes and digital technology, to comprehensively assess your eye.
The examination extends beyond just looking at your eyes, though, as it involves a careful analysis of the intricate structures within your eye.
In particular, the doctor may use dilating eye drops to expand the pupil and allow for clearer views of internal components. Dilating eye drops can help in the detection of latent eye and systemic ailments, crucial for early intervention and prevention.
Keratometry/Topography
Keratometry and topography tests focus on gauging the curvature of the cornea. They involve directing a circle of light onto the cornea and analyzing its reflection.
Precise measurements are then obtained and used to determine the optimal fit for contact lenses. These tests are best for ensuring comfort and efficacy.
Visual Acuity Tests
Visual acuity assessments evaluate the clarity of vision in each eye. They involve the use of standardized charts where you are tasked with identifying letters at various distances.
Results are expressed as a fraction, with 20/20 representing normal vision. This evaluation provides invaluable insights into the need for corrective measures. It can also be used in monitoring your vision health over time.
Refraction
Refraction tests help determine the lens power required to rectify refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. They involve the use of a phoropter and retinoscope to evaluate the ability of the eyes to focus.
This process may involve the administration of eye drops to ensure accurate assessments. The use of eye drops is particularly common in cases where verbal communication is limited.
Supplemental Testing
Supplemental testing may be warranted based on initial findings. In these cases, it may be used for confirming diagnoses, elucidating ambiguous results, or conducting a more thorough examination.
These additional assessments offer a comprehensive understanding of ocular health. They often guide treatment strategies and enhance patient care.
Once you complete your eye screening in Singapore, the findings will be carefully reviewed to formulate a diagnosis and establish a personalized treatment plan. You should expect to be actively engaged in discussions regarding any identified visual or ocular health issues, along with available treatment modalities.
And, When Should You Start Getting Eye Tests?
Regular eye screenings are crucial to detect eye problems early. And as earlier explained, some vision issues like glaucoma, for example can be quite evasive which means that you may not even realize you have vision issues until they’re advanced.
That is why it is ideal that you begin eye tests early to ensure timely treatment and support to prevent potential developmental and educational impacts. You should get an eye test as soon as an eye problem is suspected to ensure that you get the necessary treatment and support as needed.
If you’re worried about what time your child should start getting eye tests, here’s something you may find helpful;
Routine screenings for your baby’s visual health are crucial, as vision problems can affect the child’s learning and development process. Ideally, your child’s eyes should undergo several screenings in the early stages of life to ensure healthy vision development. Here’s a quick breakdown;
- Within 72 hours of birth: Your baby should get a basic check for obvious physical issues. This assessment is part of the newborn physical assessment. Essentially, it is done to ensure any visible concerns are promptly addressed.
- Between 6 and 8 weeks old: This is essentially a follow-up examination to catch any problems that might have been missed earlier. Unlike the first assessment, it is a more thorough check to ensure that even minor concerns are identified early to allow for proactive intervention
- Around 1 year, or between 2 and 2-and-a-half years: At this age, during routine health and developmental evaluations, you might discuss any concerns regarding your child’s vision. If deemed necessary, eye tests can be arranged to ensure that your baby’s visual well-being is continuously monitored.
- Around 4 or 5 years old: Vision screening should also be done after starting school. This comprehensive assessment is thorough and aims to detect any signs of reduced vision in one or both eyes.
In Closing
It is ideal that you get eye screenings every two years. But, this frequency might change depending on the recommendations of your eye doctor.
Have you noticed changes in your or a loved one’s vision that you may want to get the opinion of an expert eye specialist on? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Chelvin of Chelvin SNG Eye Center for an assessment and treatment planning if necessary. Details below;
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/