Refractive Clinic

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Refractive Clinic

Refractive medicine is a branch of ophthalmology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of refractive errors, which are conditions that affect the ability of the eye to focus light properly onto the retina. Refractive errors can cause blurred vision and other visual symptoms.

Common refractive errors include:

Myopia (nearsightedness): This is a condition in which close objects are clear but distant objects appear blurry.
Hyperopia (farsightedness): This is a condition in which distant objects are clear but close objects appear blurry.
Astigmatism: This is a condition in which the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision.
Presbyopia: This is a condition that occurs with aging, in which the eye loses its ability to focus on close objects.

Refractive medicine includes a variety of treatments to correct these conditions, including:

Glasses and contact lenses: These are non-surgical options that can correct refractive errors by changing the way light enters the eye.
Refractive surgery: This includes procedures such as LASIK, PRK, and SMILE, which use lasers to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
Intraocular lenses: These are artificial lenses that can be implanted in the eye during cataract surgery or as a separate procedure to correct refractive errors.
Corneal collagen cross-linking: This is a procedure that can strengthen the cornea and reduce the progression of keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge outwards.

Refractive medicine is a rapidly evolving field, with new treatments and technologies being developed to improve the safety and efficacy of refractive procedures. An ophthalmologist who specializes in refractive medicine can help determine the best treatment option for a patient based on their individual needs and preferences.

Investigations

Visual acuity testing: Measurement of the patient’s ability to see clearly at various distances, typically using a Snellen chart or other vision charts.
Refraction assessment: Determination of the patient’s prescription for glasses or contact lenses, if needed, to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.
Pupil examination: Assessment of the size, shape, and reactivity of the patient’s pupils, which can provide insight into potential neurological or ocular health issues.
Topography: A corneal topography provides a detailed map of the cornea’s surface curvature, which can help identify issues such as corneal irregularities, astigmatism, or keratoconus.
Pachymetry: Measurement of corneal thickness to assess the patient’s suitability for refractive surgery and to identify potential issues such as corneal thinning.
Wavefront analysis: A diagnostic tool that measures the unique imperfections in the patient’s visual system, providing data that can be used to customize refractive surgery procedures for optimal results.
Dry eye assessment: Evaluation of tear film quality and quantity to identify potential dry eye issues, which can impact the success of refractive surgery.
Slit-lamp examination: A detailed examination of the patient’s anterior eye structures, including the cornea, iris, and lens, using a specialized microscope called a slit lamp.
Tonometry: Measurement of the pressure inside the patient’s eyes (intraocular pressure) to screen for glaucoma or other eye conditions that may cause increased eye pressure.
Dilated fundus examination: Evaluation of the patient’s retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels at the back of the eye after dilation of the pupils, to identify any abnormalities or diseases that might impact the success of refractive surgery.

Treatments

LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): A popular refractive surgery that reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, resulting in improved vision.
PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): A laser surgery that reshapes the cornea’s surface to correct refractive errors, typically used for patients with thinner corneas or other contraindications for LASIK.
LASEK (Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis): A variation of PRK that involves creating a thin flap on the corneal surface before laser ablation, offering a faster healing time and reduced postoperative discomfort.
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive refractive surgery that involves creating a small incision and removing a small lenticule of corneal tissue to reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors.
Phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs): Implantation of lenses inside the eye, without removing the natural lens, to correct refractive errors in patients who may not be suitable for laser surgery.
Refractive lens exchange (RLE): Replacement of the eye’s natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens to correct refractive errors, particularly for patients with presbyopia or severe hyperopia.
Corneal inlays and onlays: Implantation of small, thin devices within the cornea to improve near vision, particularly for patients with presbyopia.
Conductive keratoplasty (CK): A non-invasive procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea and correct mild to moderate hyperopia or presbyopia.
Astigmatic keratotomy (AK): A surgical procedure that involves making small incisions in the cornea to correct astigmatism.
Monovision correction: A technique in which one eye is corrected for distance vision, and the other eye is corrected for near vision, typically used for patients with presbyopia who undergo LASIK or other refractive surgeries.

Our Services

Comprehensive eye examinations: Thorough evaluations of a patient’s eyes, visual acuity, and refraction to determine the best treatment approach for their refractive errors.
Customized treatment plans: Developing personalized treatment plans for patients, taking into account their individual needs, lifestyle, and eye health.
Pre-operative assessments: Conducting detailed evaluations of a patient’s eyes before refractive surgery, including corneal topography, pachymetry, and dry eye assessments.
Refractive surgeries: Performing various refractive surgery procedures, such as LASIK, PRK, LASEK, SMILE, and others, to correct vision problems and reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.
Lens implantation: Implanting phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) or performing refractive lens exchange (RLE) for patients who may not be suitable for laser surgery.
Post-operative care: Providing follow-up care after refractive surgery to monitor healing, assess visual outcomes, and address any complications that may arise.
Non-surgical vision correction: Offering non-surgical options for vision correction, such as orthokeratology or contact lenses, for patients who are not suitable for surgery or prefer alternative treatments.
Management of complications: Addressing any complications that may arise after refractive surgery, such as dry eye, glare, or regression of the refractive error.
Patient education: Informing patients about the benefits, risks, and expectations of refractive surgery, as well as providing guidance on proper eye care and maintenance for optimal visual outcomes.
Ongoing care and support: Providing long-term care and support for patients who have undergone refractive surgery, including regular eye examinations and adjustments to their vision correction as needed.

Dr. Katherine Seng Boon Hwei

Resident Ophthalmologist

Greetings, and welcome to my eye clinic. As an ophthalmologist, I provide both clinical diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases. My main aim is to help people lead healthier and more independent lives. I treat all my patients with great respect, listen to them carefully and take plenty of time to answer any questions they may have. It is both my pleasure and my obligation to help all my patients lead healthier, more independent lives. Upon entering our facility, you will be greeted with a smile by one of the staff members at our front desk. We are always willing to answer any questions that you may have and help make your eye care experience as pleasant as possible. We look forward to seeing you!

+601127030085katherine@eyekath.com

Refractive Clinic