The irreversible AMD is another common eye disease that affects the elderly. In Singapore, it is estimated to affect about 27 per cent of our elderly population. “It usually affects people over the age of 50 and is a natural result of ageing,” said Dr Yeoh.
Cost is a very real obstacle as many people have the preconceived notion that eye examinations are expensive, said Dr Yeoh. A session can cost from S$20 to S$80 on average in optical shops, he said, but can be pricier in eye clinics that offer more specialised checks. “However, the underlying factor is to remember that early detection is key, which is why comprehensive eye checks are important,” he said.
The process is also relatively quick (faster than an MRI scan for some), taking up no more than 15 to 20 minutes, said Dr Yeoh.
As for the fear of being diagnosed with something and the pain and treatment that ensue, Dr Yeoh is of the opinion that education is important. “There are many misconceptions that are spread through word-of-mouth such as a bad experience for one person could become a fact for the others. However, what is true for one patient may not necessarily be true for another.”
Furthermore, when it comes to procedures such as cataract surgery, it is one of the most performed surgical procedures in Singapore with an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 surgeries performed locally each year, he said.