What to Expect From an Eye Examination in Singapore

Preparing for an upcoming eye exam, or considering scheduling one soon? Knowing what to expect can make the experience feel a lot more comfortable and meaningful. After all, these routine checkups are one of the simplest ways to protect your long-term vision. They are not just about testing how clearly you see; they also help detect early signs of eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. In addition, an eye exam can reveal broader health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, showing how closely our eye health is linked to our overall well-being.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Many people assume that as long as they can see clearly, their eyes must be healthy. However, good vision does not always mean everything is fine beneath the surface. Regular eye exams play a vital role in maintaining both your visual and overall health, often revealing problems before you even notice any changes.

Early Detection of Eye Diseases

Serious eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration often develop quietly, without any early symptoms. By the time vision changes become noticeable, some damage may already be permanent. A comprehensive eye exam allows your optometrist to detect these diseases early, when treatment is most effective and the chances of preserving your sight are much higher.

Maintaining Optimal Vision

Your eyesight can change gradually over time, sometimes so subtly that you do not realise it. Routine eye exams help ensure that your prescription for glasses or contact lenses remains accurate and comfortable. This not only supports clear vision but also prevents common issues such as eye strain, headaches and fatigue, especially for those who spend long hours reading or using digital screens.

A Window to Your Systemic Health

The eyes are often described as a window to your overall health. They are the only part of the body where a doctor can directly observe blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue without any invasive procedures. Because of this, an eye examination can reveal early signs of systemic health conditions, including:

• Diabetes: Damage to the retinal blood vessels, known as diabetic retinopathy, can be detected during an eye exam before vision symptoms appear.
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension may cause subtle changes in the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.
• Autoimmune and Neurological Disorders: Certain eye findings can suggest conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus or brain tumours.

Through early detection, an eye exam can become an important part of preventive healthcare, often identifying health concerns long before other symptoms arise.

Supporting Healthy Vision and Learning in Children

For children, regular eye examinations are just as essential. Clear vision plays a major role in how they learn, read and engage with the world around them. However, children may not always recognise or express that they are having difficulty seeing. Regular eye checks can uncover issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (squint) early on, allowing for timely treatment and better long-term visual development. Early detection can make a real difference in a child’s confidence, learning and overall well-being.

Who Conducts an Eye Examination?

Eye examinations in Singapore may be performed by either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, depending on your individual needs. While both are trained eye care professionals, their qualifications and areas of expertise differ. Understanding their roles can help you know whom to visit and when.

Optometrist

An optometrist serves as your primary eye care provider. They carry out comprehensive eye examinations, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and manage common vision issues such as myopia (short-sightedness) and astigmatism. Optometrists can also diagnose and treat certain eye conditions, prescribe medication for specific eye diseases and provide pre- and post-operative care.

When a condition requires more advanced medical or surgical treatment, an optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist to ensure you receive the appropriate level of specialist care.

Ophthalmologist

An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specialises in eye and vision care. They are trained to diagnose and treat all types of eye diseases, perform surgery and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. Unlike optometrists, ophthalmologists are qualified to provide both medical and surgical treatment, making them essential for managing complex eye conditions or cases that require specialised procedures.

Preparing for Your Eye Examination

A little preparation can help you get the most out of your appointment. Bringing the right items and knowing what to expect ensures that your eye doctor can give you the most accurate assessment possible. Here are a few things to prepare before your visit.

Current Eyewear or Prescription Records

Start by bringing your current glasses, prescription sunglasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will check how well they correct your vision and determine whether an update is needed. If you wear contact lenses, remember to bring your case and solution, as you may need to remove them during the exam. It is also helpful to bring your most recent prescription from a previous eye doctor, especially if you are visiting a new clinic, as this provides useful context for comparison.

List of Medications and Health Concerns

Because your eye health is closely linked to your overall well-being, it is important to share any relevant medical details. Prepare a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements you are currently taking, since some may affect your eyes or interact with certain treatments. In addition, be ready to discuss any existing health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye diseases, as these can influence your risk of developing certain eye problems.

Symptoms or Vision Changes

Finally, make a note of any changes or discomfort you have noticed in your vision. This might include blurriness, dryness, flashes of light, headaches or light sensitivity. Mentioning these details helps your doctor assess your eyes more accurately and identify potential issues early. Even small changes can offer valuable clues about your eye health, so it is always worth sharing them during your exam.

Common Eye Exams in Singapore

A comprehensive eye examination includes a series of tests designed to assess both your vision and the overall health of your eyes. It usually begins with a review of your symptoms and medical history, including any allergies, medications, or family history of eye conditions. Your eye care professional may also ask about your lifestyle and daily habits, such as how much time you spend on digital screens.

Based on this information, a series of tests may be performed to give a complete picture of your eye health. These typically include:

• Vision Test and Visual Acuity Assessment: This step often involves reading a Snellen chart to measure how clearly you can see at various distances. It helps determine the sharpness of your vision and whether you may need corrective lenses.
• Eye Muscle and Coordination Check: The doctor will assess how well your eyes move and work together by testing tracking, focus and alignment. These checks ensure that both eyes coordinate properly when viewing objects up close or far away.
• Refraction Test for Glasses or Contact Lenses: Using a phoropter, your eye care professional fine-tunes your prescription by comparing different lenses to identify which provides the clearest vision. This process determines the exact prescription needed for glasses or contact lenses.
• Intraocular Pressure Test (Glaucoma Screening): This test measures the pressure inside your eyes to screen for glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve if left untreated. It may be performed using a quick puff of air or a gentle touch method known as applanation tonometry.
• Slit Lamp and Retinal Examination: A slit lamp microscope provides a magnified, three-dimensional view of the eye’s structures, including the cornea, iris and lens. The retina and optic nerve are also checked to assess their health and identify any early signs of disease.
• Pupil Dilation (if required): In some cases, eye drops are used to widen the pupils. This allows for a clearer and more detailed view of the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye, helping the doctor detect subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.

After the examination, your eye care professional will review the findings with you. This discussion may include an updated prescription, treatment recommendations, or a referral to a specialist if needed. You will also be advised on when to schedule your next visit, especially if any abnormalities or early warning signs were detected.

Taking the Next Step for Your Eye Health

Regular eye examinations are one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your vision and overall health. Whether you are preparing for your first appointment or returning for a routine check, each visit provides valuable insight into your eye condition and helps detect problems early — often before they cause noticeable symptoms.

At Steve Seah Eye Centre, your comfort and well-being are always our priority. We combine advanced diagnostic technology with specialist expertise to deliver comprehensive and personalised eye care. Whether you need a routine check-up, have specific eye concerns or wish to explore treatment options, our team is here to guide you through every step with care and precision.

If you would like to take the next step towards clearer, healthier vision, we invite you to book a consultation with our specialist, Dr Steve Seah.