Regular eye screenings are essential for maintaining eye health and detecting problems early. Whether you’re experiencing vision issues or aiming to prevent eye diseases, these check-ups can give very crucial details about not just your eyesight but also your general health.
In Singapore, there are several options for eye screenings that can be tailored to your needs, from basic checks to comprehensive examinations. But how do you know when to visit an eye screening clinic in Singapore or when to schedule an eye screening?
What exactly does the process involves, and where can you go for the best care? This guide answers these questions and provides practical advice for ensuring your vision remains in top condition.
How Do You Know You Should Get Your Eyes Checked?
Eye screenings are important at every stage of life. However, how often you should get one depends on your age, health, and risk factors. Here's what you need to know regarding how to know you should get your eyes checked;
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For Children
Children’s eyes develop rapidly, and regular screenings help detect issues like myopia or lazy eye early. For children, it is recommended that they get their first eye screening between 6 to 9 months.
After the first eye screening, children should get at least one check-up between ages 2 and 5. This will be followed by annual screenings for ages 6 to 19.
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For Adults
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults should get eye screening based on this schedule; if you're between ages 20 and 39, you should get eye screening every 5 years. For those between ages 40 and 54, it is recommendable that you get your eye screening every 2 to 4 years.
If you're between ages 55 and 64, the recommended frequency is at least once every 1 to 3 years, and for adults above 65 years, the recommended frequency is every 1 to 2 years. If you're an adult over 40, you will want to prioritize eye screenings, as conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma become more common with age.
If you fall into certain high-risk categories, you may need more frequent check-ups. Here are the notable risk factors which will influence how frequent you can get eye screening in Singapore;
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If you wear glasses or contact lenses.
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If you live with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or obesity as they can increase the risk of eye diseases.
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If you have a family history of eye disorders like glaucoma or macular degeneration, and
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Your ethnicity. People of Black or Hispanic descent are at higher risk for some eye diseases.
What Happens During Eye Screening?
Eye screenings involve a series of painless tests that assess your overall eye health and vision clarity. The screening begins with questions about your medical history, previous vision problems, and recent health changes.
This helps the eye doctor tailor the examination to your needs. Once the eye doctor have gathered crucial information on your medical history, you will undergo tests to measure your eyesight. These may include:
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Reading charts where you identify letters or numbers at various distances.
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Near vision checks where you read from a handheld card and
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Colour vision tests to identify patterns or symbols within coloured dots.
The doctor will then assess how your pupils respond to light and may measure intraocular pressure to check for glaucoma. Eye drops may be used to widen your pupils and allow a detailed view of your retina.
This step can cause temporary blurred vision and sensitivity to light, so plan accordingly. If you need corrective lenses, your prescription will be determined during the screening.
Contact lens wearers may also have additional measurements taken for proper fitting. Eye screenings usually take about an hour.
Where to go for Eye Screening in Singapore
Singapore offers several excellent options for eye screenings. If you're looking for the best places to go for eye screening in Singapore, here are some locations you may want to have in mind;
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Specialist Eye Clinics
Private ophthalmology clinics provide comprehensive eye screening services for individuals who want advanced care. These clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by trained ophthalmologists and optometrists.
For instance, Chelvin SNG Eye Center is a reputable clinic known for its skilled specialists and modern diagnostic tools. It’s an excellent choice for those needing detailed evaluations or ongoing management of complex eye conditions.
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Optical Shops
Many optical shops in Singapore offer basic eye checks as part of their services. These checks typically include vision tests, prescription updates, and screening for common conditions like myopia.
Optical shops are convenient for quick assessments and purchasing glasses or contact lenses. However, they may not detect more advanced eye diseases, so follow-up with a specialist is recommended if concerns arise.
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Public and Private Hospitals
Hospitals in Singapore have dedicated ophthalmology departments that provide advanced eye care. Public hospitals offer affordable services for residents.
Private hospitals cater to those seeking shorter wait times and more personalized attention. Hospital-based screenings are ideal for individuals with underlying health conditions or those requiring specialized care.
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Mobile Eye Screening Units
There are also organizations which operate mobile screening services to reach underserved communities. These units focus on detecting common issues like glaucoma and cataracts.
While convenient, mobile units may not offer the same level of comprehensive testing available in clinics or hospitals. Nonetheless, they may still help.
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Specialist Vision Care Centres
Also, there are specialist vision centers. Just as it sounds, these centres cater to specific needs, such as children’s eye health or age-related conditions.
For example, myopia control centres focus on managing nearsightedness in children. There are also others that specialize in treating conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
In Closing
Choosing the right provider depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a detailed examination, opt for specialist clinics or hospitals. For routine checks, optical shops or vision care centres may suffice.
Make regular eye screenings a priority to protect your vision and ensure lifelong eye health. Are you ready to schedule your next eye screening? Why not get in touch with a top eye screening clinic in Singapore today. Book an appointment easily 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
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