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.

Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing that affects nearly everyone after the age of 40. It occurs when the eye’s lens gradually loses flexibility, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Suddenly, tasks like reading menus, threading a needle, or scrolling on your phone may feel frustrating without holding items at arm’s length.

Astigmatism is a common refractive condition that affects people of all ages. Unlike myopia or hyperopia, where vision is blurry at specific distances, astigmatism causes distorted or blurred vision both near and far. In Singapore, astigmatism is frequently diagnosed in children during school screenings and in adults who experience headaches or difficulty focusing.

Hyperopia, or long-sightedness, is a refractive condition where near vision is blurred while distant vision may remain clear. It is less frequently discussed than myopia but can significantly affect learning, reading, and daily life.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the fastest-growing eye conditions in the world. In Singapore, the numbers are especially striking: by the age of 12, over half of children already develop myopia, and many progress into high myopia as adults. This condition not only affects daily life, from classroom learning to driving but also carries long-term risks such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is a modern form of laser vision correction designed to treat myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. Unlike LASIK, which creates a corneal flap, SMILE uses a single femtosecond laser to remove a tiny lens-shaped tissue through a micro-incision, making it less invasive and flap-free.