Loss of Vision
Understanding vision loss
Vision loss refers to a reduction in your ability to see clearly, either in part or completely. It can affect one or both eyes and may involve central, peripheral, or general vision. Some individuals lose the ability to see in specific areas, while others notice a general dimming or distortion in their sight.
Common symptoms
Some people may not realise their vision is deteriorating until the issue becomes severe. Early signs are often subtle and may be mistaken for fatigue or normal ageing.
- Blurred or hazy eyesight
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Headaches or dizziness
- Squinting or straining to focus
- Seeing halos or glare
- Difficulty reading, writing, or recognising faces
Types of vision loss
The right treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of your eye pain. Our team at Eagle Eye Centre always prioritises the most effective and least invasive options.
Sudden vision loss
Vision that deteriorates within minutes or days is classified as sudden vision loss. This can be alarming and, in many cases, serious. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Possible causes include:
- Retinal detachment
- Optic nerve blockage
- Eye trauma
- Sudden eye infections or inflammation
Retinal detachment often presents with a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light. It usually occurs without pain and should be treated urgently to preserve sight.
Diagnosis
A complete diagnostic evaluation is essential to determine the cause and severity of vision loss.
Visual acuity tests (eye charts)
Slit-lamp examination
Corneal scans
Retinal assessment
Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Eye pressure tests (tonometry)
Diagnosis
When vision loss is an emergency?
If you experience a sudden and unexplained drop in your vision, it is considered an emergency. Immediate care is critical to prevent long-term damage or irreversible vision loss.
At Eagle Eye Centre, we offer urgent consultations to diagnose and treat vision emergencies promptly. Do not delay seeking care if you notice sudden vision changes.
Gradual or general vision loss
The right treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause of your eye pain. Our team at Eagle Eye Centre always prioritises the most effective and least invasive options.
More serious conditions may require:
- Antibiotic or antiviral eye drops for infections
- Corticosteroid drops for inflammation
- Intraocular pressure-lowering medications for Some forms of vision loss develop slowly over time. These are often related to refractive errors or chronic eye conditions.
Treatments
Lifestyle management and control of systemic diseases like diabetes are also important to prevent future vision issues. The best treatment will depend on the specific cause and how advanced the condition is.
Refractive errors
Glasses, contact lenses, LASIK, or implantable lenses
Glaucoma
Eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery to lower intraocular pressure.
Cataracts
Surgical removal and lens replacement.
Macular degeneration
Anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD and visual aids for dry AMD.
Keratoconus
Corneal cross-linking or, in severe cases, corneal transplantation.
Infections and inflammation
Antibiotic or steroid eye drops, depending on the condition.
Treatments
WHAT YOU SEE MATTERS
Book your eye check today
Singapore's ageing population and increasing screen exposure put many individuals at risk of developing vision problems. The tropical climate also makes eye infections more common. At Eagle Eye Centre, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a team of dedicated specialists to detect vision loss at its earliest stage. Timely intervention helps preserve sight and maintain quality of life.