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The ocular surface is made up of the cornea, conjunctiva, tear film, and eyelids, all working together to keep your eyes clear and comfortable. When one or more of these components are affected by chronic conditions, it is known as Ocular Surface Disease (OSD). OSD is not a single problem but a group of disorders that include dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal surface disease, and allergic eye disease.

Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that helps focus light onto the retina. When it becomes infected or ulcerated, vision can deteriorate rapidly. Corneal ulcers and infections are among the most urgent eye conditions, requiring immediate medical attention. Left untreated, they can cause scarring, blindness, or even loss of the eye. In Singapore, eye specialists see rising cases linked to contact lens wear, eye trauma, and dry eye disease. Knowing the early signs a

If your eyes often feel gritty, watery, or uncomfortable, you may be experiencing Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). This condition occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears to stay lubricated. In Singapore, dry eyes are increasingly common due to long screen time, air-conditioned environments, and aging. While uncomfortable, it is a manageable condition with the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

A small, painful lump on your eyelid is often worrying, but most cases are benign conditions like styes or chalazia. These lumps are very common in Singapore and usually result from blocked oil glands in the eyelids.

If your eyelids often feel itchy, red, or irritated, you may be experiencing blepharitis, a chronic condition that affects the eyelid margins. Though not sight-threatening in most cases, blepharitis can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and recurrent. It can also contribute to dry eye disease or complicate other eye conditions if left unmanaged.

If you’ve ever noticed a wedge-shaped growth creeping from the white of the eye onto the cornea, you may have seen a pterygium. Often nicknamed surfer’s eye, this condition is strongly linked to prolonged sun and UV exposure. While surfers are at high risk, anyone who spends significant time outdoors in Singapore’s sunny climate can develop it.

Many people associate eye bags with cosmetic aging. However, in medical terms, dermatochalasis refers to an excess of eyelid skin that may hang over the lashes. In severe cases, this can impair vision, cause eye strain, and interfere with daily life. At The Straits Eye Centre, dermatochalasis is managed not only as a cosmetic concern but as a functional eye condition. For some patients, treatment may be considered medically necessary, with insurance or Medisave coverage poss