Refractive Conditions

From your 40s onwards, you may notice yourself holding books, phones, or menus further away to see clearly. This is presbyopia, an age-related condition where the natural lens of the eye loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on near objects.

Unlike myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism affects vision both near and far. It occurs when the cornea or lens has an irregular curvature, preventing light from focusing evenly on the retina. The result: vision that is distorted or blurred at all distances.

Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, makes it difficult to see nearby objects clearly while distant vision often remains sharp. For children, it can affect reading and school performance. For adults, it can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with prolonged near work. In Singapore, refractive hyperopia is managed with a range of options, from spectacles and contact lenses to refractive surgeries like PRK and ICL, depending on age, prescription, and lifestyle needs.

Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is one of the most common refractive conditions worldwide, especially in Singapore where rates are among the highest globally. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.