By: Clinical Assoc Prof Heng Wee Jin, Senior Consultant and Head of Cornea & Refractive Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology
What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, affects nearly 80% of young adults in Singapore – one of the highest rates globally. If you find yourself squinting at distant objects, struggling to read road signs, or constantly reaching for your glasses, you are likely experiencing this increasingly common refractive error.
Myopia occurs when the eye is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light entering your eye to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision while near objects remain clear. It often develops during childhood, progresses through the teenage years and stabilises in early adulthood.
The Contact Lens Dilemma
Many people turn to contact lenses as an alternative to glasses. While convenient and effective, contacts can come with challenges:
- Dry eyes and discomfort from extended wear
- Increased risk of eye infections and protein deposits
- Allergic reactions to lens materials or cleaning solutions
- Serious complications from poor hygiene or overwear, including corneal ulcers, infections, or, in rare cases, permanent vision loss
If you experience persistent redness, pain, discharge, or changes in your vision while wearing contacts, these symptoms should not be ignored.
Laser Refractive Surgery: A Permanent Solution
Laser refractive surgery provides an alternative safe and effective method for correcting myopia. These advanced procedures use precise laser technology to reshape the cornea, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina.
Most procedures typically take less than 30 minutes for both eyes, with most patients experiencing improved vision within 24 hours. Options available at
TTSH Lasik Centre include:
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LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): Flap-based laser corneal reshaping
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PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy / Advanced Surface Ablation): Flapless surface laser reshaping
- KLex (Kerato Lenticule Extraction): Flapless keyhole laser lenticule removal
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Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): For patients unsuitable for LASIK or PRK due to high prescriptions or corneal thickness
Each option has its own advantages and may be recommended based on your eye health and lifestyle needs. With modern laser refractive techniques, including bladeless procedures and wavefront-guided treatments, laser refractive surgery is safer and more precise. Today, more than 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better, which is clear enough for most daily activities without the need for glasses.
Are You a Candidate?
Not everyone is suitable for laser refractive surgery. Ideal candidates are typically:
- Age 21 and above
- With stable prescriptions for at least two years
- With sufficient corneal thickness and healthy corneas
- No active eye infections or severe dry eye syndrome
Other factors that may affect suitability include certain autoimmune conditions, pregnancy, high prescription medications, thin or irregular corneas, and occupations with a high risk of eye injury. Some medications can also impact healing and surgical outcomes.
The Consultation Process
The only way to confirm if you are suitable for laser refractive surgery is with a comprehensive eye assessment. At TTSH LASIK Centre, this includes:
- Cornea thickness and curvature measurements
- Tear film and overall eye health evaluation
- Mapping of your eye's unique characteristics with advanced diagnostic equipment
- Understanding your lifestyle needs and expectations
This ensures you receive personalised advice on whether LASIK, PRK, KLex or ICL is the safest and most effective option for you.
Your Vision, Your Choice, Your Future
Don't let poor vision limit your lifestyle. Whether you're struggling with contact lens complications or seeking freedom from corrective lenses, the first step is a comprehensive eye check. Make an informed decision about your eye health with our
refractive surgeons from
TTSH Lasik Centre.