l write about topics in Ophthalmology, and how AI and ageing in Singapore will affect the practice of medicine. Cornea and Refractive Surgeon in private practice; former Clinical Associate Professor at the SNEC.
Keeping an Eye on... Adult Myopia It is not always apparent to parents that when we manage and treat their child with myopia, the goal is not merely to avoid the need for thick glasses. As ophthalmologist and optometrists, what we are really trying to do is to prevent problems developing 20 - 30 years down the road. This article very succinctly describes the issues that can arise when adults have high myopia (above 500-600 degrees). They run the risks of progressive, pathological myopia, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma and retinal detachments, etc. And unlike childhood myopia, where we now have strong evidence-based treatments (low-dose atropine, myopia control glasses, exposure to outdoor play), there are no treatments to prevent any of these complications from happening in the highly myopic adult. In some sense, their future has already been determined. So when Prof Seang Mei Saw says that in the next few decades - - 80% of the adult population in Sg will be myopic - 15% will have high myopia (from 6% currently) - 10% will have pathological myopia (from 4% now) ... it is cause for concern. So what can be done for highly myopic adults (like myself 🥲) ? If you have the means, get your eyes screened for some of these problems. There does not appear to be any consensus as to when to start, but 40 years old seems to be the number commonly used. Get checked for glaucoma and retinal issues. And as Dr Donny Hoang advised, get help if you suddenly experience a rush of floaters, flashes, or a drop in vision, no matter your degree of myopia. #ophthalmology #opthalmologist #optometry #optometrist #Singapore #healthcare #medicine #myopia #childhoodmyopia #lasik After 20 years as a cornea and refractive surgeon at the SNEC, I am now embarking on a new journey in private practice. But my mission remains the same - to improve the vision and quality of life of my patients, and to advance the field of eyecare through science education, innovation and collaboration.
Founder, CEO at eyesight.sg | Immediate Past President, Singapore Optometric Association | Board Member, Opticians & Optometrists Board
4moThat’s very inspiring! Let’s work together on this!