Just as it sounds, a glaucoma specialist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating glaucoma. See more: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/dr-chelvin-sng-is-surgery-always-necessary-to-treat-glaucoma/. Glaucoma itself is a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and blindness if left untreated.
You might need to see a glaucoma specialist if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma or if you are experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, or halos around lights. Thanks to their specialization, a glaucoma specialist can provide personalized treatment plans to help slow down or prevent further vision loss.
Depending on the severity of your condition, they may recommend medications, laser surgery, or even traditional surgery. Glaucoma is known to have the ability to progress slowly so you will want to see your glaucoma specialist in Singapore regularly to manage the condition and prevent further vision loss.
The question is; how often and that’s why we created this guide. Read it to the end to learn the ideal frequency to see your glaucoma specialist in Singapore and the important questions to ask when seeing one.
How often do you need to have your Eyes Checked for Glaucoma?
Now that you understand that glaucoma often shows no symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs, you may naturally wonder, how often do you need to have your eyes checked for glaucoma? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the ideal frequency for glaucoma screening depends on your age and risk factors.
If you’re aged between 40 and 54, you need to have your eyes checked for glaucoma every one to three years. This frequency increases every one to two years if you’re aged between 55 and 64. And if you’re 65 and older, you will need to have your eyes checked for glaucoma every six to 12 months.
If you have a close relative with glaucoma, or if you are African-Caribbean, East Asian, diabetic, have low blood pressure, or are short-sighted, you may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma and should have more frequent tests. That said, your glaucoma specialist eye doctor may also recommend more frequent exams depending on your overall eye health and level of risk.
If you’re recommended visits to a glaucoma specialist in Singapore, see to it that you observe the routines as advised because glaucoma can progress rapidly. If detected early, you could be best placed for timely intervention to slow or prevent vision loss.
To diagnose the condition, your glaucoma specialist in Singapore can use tests, ranging from measuring eye pressure, to examining the optic nerve, and checking peripheral vision for any changes that may be suggestive of glaucoma.
How Long Does a Glaucoma Test Last?
A timely visit to a glaucoma specialist in Singapore can make a significant difference to your vision especially if you’re at risk of getting glaucoma. When readying yourself for the exam, a fairly natural question that may cross your mind is; how long does a glaucoma test take?
Here’s what you need to know; glaucoma testing is quick and straightforward. Essentially, you can expect individual tests to take just a few minutes per test.
Visual field tests, which assess peripheral vision, may take around 10 minutes. Dilated eye exams, where eye drops are used to widen the pupils for a more thorough examination, can take up to 30 minutes, including the time it takes for the drops to take effect.
With that out of the way you may also want to ask, how do I prepare for the glaucoma test? Well, usually glaucoma tests do not demand any special preparation.
The tests are usually straightforward and don’t require much effort. However, there are a few things that your glaucoma specialist in Singapore may want you to keep in mind to ensure your appointment goes smoothly.
For example, you will be required to bring your glasses or contact lenses with you. If you wear soft contact lenses, make sure to bring them in an unopened blister package. Also, you will want to bring sunglasses as your pupils may be dilated during the exam, which can make you sensitive to light.
It’s also important to stay hydrated before your appointment, as some eye exams may involve procedures that require holding your eyes open for extended periods. Getting enough sleep is equally beneficial, as it can help avoid straining your eyes. Lastly, plan to have someone take you home after the exam, as your vision may be blurry from the dilation.
What Questions to Ask a Glaucoma Specialist?
It doesn’t really matter how your appointment with the glaucoma specialist in Singapore will go. Naturally, you will want to make the most of the appointment and asking the right questions is a big part of this. To help you get started, here are a few important questions to ask your glaucoma specialist;
- What tests do I need, and how often do I need checkups? First things first, you will want to understand the frequency and types of tests required can help you stay proactive in managing your glaucoma and catching any changes early. Depending on your risk factors, a glaucoma specialist will give you the ideal frequency for your checkups.
- What are my treatment options, and what are the success rates? There are several treatment options for glaucoma depending on the type and stage. But it isn’t just about having a list of your treatment options. Knowing the available treatments and their success rates can guide your decision-making process and give you a realistic expectation of outcomes.
- If glaucoma surgery is recommended, what are the risks involved? Glaucoma surgery is generally safe. But like any other procedure, they also do come with a level of risk which you will want to be knowledgeable of to weigh the benefits and make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
- What self-care measures might help me manage my glaucoma? Lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can play a role in managing glaucoma. Understanding these measures can help you take an active role in your treatment.
- What are the guidelines for blood pressure control, and how do I balance them with the risk of heart attack or stroke? Since high blood pressure can impact glaucoma, it’s important to understand how to manage it effectively while considering other health risks.
It’s a Wrap!
The amount of times you will want to see your glaucoma specialist in Singapore hugely depends on your unique condition and risk factors for glaucoma. To get clarity on the issue, the best resource you have is the glaucoma specialist. Always feel free to ask questions that may bother you about the condition, assessments or treatment. To get a hold of a skilled glaucoma specialist in Singapore, get in touch with Chelvin SNG Eye Center today at;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
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