Ask an Ophthalmologist: Dr David Chan from Paragon Medical Singapore & Royal Square Medical Centre Singapore

Ask a Doctor Forum › Category: Ophthalmology › Ask an Ophthalmologist: Dr David Chan from Paragon Medical Singapore & Royal Square Medical Centre Singapore

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dr. David Chan asked 2 years ago

I am Dr David Chan, Ophthalmologist based in Paragon Medical Singapore and Royal Square Medical Centre Singapore. I am the Medical Director and Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon at Atlas Eye Specialist Centre. I specialise in complex cataract surgery, anterior segment surgery and refractive surgery. My treatments include high-risk cataract surgery, lens replacement or exchange, lens capsular bag support, iris repair, laser vision correction (ReLEx SMILE/LASIK), collagen cross-linking, implantable contact lens and refractive lens exchange. I graduated from the University of Leicester Medical School, United Kingdom. I obtained my Masters of Medicine from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh, Scotland as well as the Academy of Medicine of Singapore. Holding post-graduate degrees in Ophthalmology from both the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Scotland, and NUS, I completed my surgical training fellowship in both anterior segment surgery and refractive surgery at the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada under the direct tutelage of Professor Howard V. Gimbel. I am a member of several ophthalmological societies where I have presented research papers and served as a reviewer in their respective peer-reviewed journals. These include the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the Asia Pacific Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. Registered with the British General Medical Council, the Singapore Medical Council, and while in Canada, the Medical Council of Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, I am accredited as a specialist in ophthalmology by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Singapore. I have trained numerous eye doctors from around the world as clinical tutor at NUS and as course coordinator and surgical instructor for surgical training courses at both the Singapore National Eye Centre and the University of Calgary. In 2003, I received the Courage STAR Award from MOH for my frontline involvement in Singapore’s battle against the SARS epidemic. I have also been involved in charity missions, performing surgery in various parts of South East Asia, Canada, and Singapore. Learn more about me here: https://patients.smarterhealth.sg/specialist-doctor/david-chan/ I am excited to be here to discuss Eye Conditions and Eye Health. Ask me anything! === Want to ask a question? Submit your question at the bottom of this page. Don’t forget to include your name and email address to get notified when the doctor answers your question.

11 Answers

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M Agung purnomo answered 2 years ago

What is the best medicine/treatment for keratitis?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Keratitis can be classified into two type: infective and non-infective. As the treatment is different for both, the condition will need to be seen by an ophthalmologist, to examine and determine the correct treatment.

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Roslina Sihotang answered 2 years ago

I feel like there is a membrane in my eyes that blurs my view when I read something without glasses on. But I don’t like to wear glasses. Is there any other solution?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!

From your question, there can be 2 possible causes:
1. Dry eye
Studies have shown that when doing near work such as reading, we blink significantly lesser, and this can cause dryness on the surface of the eye. It may result in a variety of symptoms, such as feeling or seeing a membrane covering the eyes, blurry vision, stinging sensation or tearing to name a few. We suggest trying the 20-20-20 rule – after 20 minutes of computer work, take a 20 seconds break, look at something 20 feet away. By taking more breaks in between work, instilling lubricating eyedrops will give your eyes and eye muscles some rest.

2. Presbyopia
If you are in your mid-40s, you may have some levels of presbyopia. You would need reading glasses for near work. Unfortunately, presbyopia is a natural ageing eye condition that affects most in their 40s. There are possible ways to gain independence from glasses for both distance
and near vision. Surgical methods will include LASIK or cataract surgery. Do seek the advice of your ophthalmologist to see if any of these options are suitable for your eyes.

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Resky Adi answered 2 years ago

Doctor, this week after a full day of work, I have a headache at night with throbbing pain in my eyes. Why is this so, Doc?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
The first question I would ask is, if your full day of work entails long hours in front of a digital device – computer, digital tablets or mobile phones or reading documents for long hours?
If yes, it might suggest of an eye strain. Symptoms include dry, tired, sometimes painful eyes, feeling like there is something in the eyes, blurred vision, head and shoulder aches sometimes even backaches. Studies have shown that we blink 60% less when we work on the computer or
look at a digital device. We suggest trying the 20-20-20 rule – after 20 minutes of computer work, take 20 seconds break, look at something 20 feet away. By taking more visual breaks in between work, instilling preservative-free lubricating eyedrops will give your eyes and eye muscles some rest. If symptoms persist, we recommend you to seek an ophthalmologist for an eye examination.

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Farel answered 2 years ago

My newborn was diagnosed with retinoblastoma. Can it be cured so she can have normal vision?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer which affects the retina. This condition mainly affects children and it may occur in one or both eyes. The sooner the treatment, the better the prognosis. The condition can be treated most of the times especially if it has not spread beyond the eye. Most doctors use a combination of treatments to treat the condition which includes radiation therapy, laser therapy and/or surgery to treat the condition. Your child’s ability to have good vision after treatment is dependent on the stage and severity of her retinoblastoma. Please seek the expert advice of the retina specialist with regards to possible treatment and outcome. Children who are diagnosed and treated for retinoblastoma will require regular follow ups to observe for signs of recurrence.

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Fortji B Kanine answered 2 years ago

I have had glaucoma since ages ago in my left eye, but I haven’t had surgery. Should I undergo surgery or is there any other treatment I can try?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
Glaucoma is commonly known as a ‘silent thief of sight’. Some types of glaucoma can damage your vision so slowly that you do not notice the gradual loss until the disease is in its advanced stage. Any vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible but it definitely can be controlled and
vision loss can be prevented. We hope that you have been getting regular reviews with an ophthalmologist to monitor your glaucoma.

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Gebi answered 2 years ago

My eyes are red for 2 weeks due to irritation. I have taken some eye drops but there is no improvement. My eyes feel dry and irritated. What should I do? Should I see a doctor or is there a medicine that you would recommend?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
There are many reasons that can cause eyes to be irritated and red. It could range from dry eyes to serious infections that threatens vision. Please see an eye specialist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

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ceyie answered 2 years ago

Dear Doctor, I have a problem in my head, where I am feeling some kind of pressure. I also lose my balance. I've had vertigo and a migraine, and I did a brain MRI, but the result was fine. I saw an ophthalmologist and he said my eye pressure was high, 26 and 27mmg. He gave me an eye drop - cendrotimolol. After 2 months, my eye pressure is still 22mmhg for both eyes. Can I ask your advice on how I can reduce this pressure back to normal? My ophthalmologist only asked me to continue using the eye drops since the nerves in my eyes are fine. Thank you

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
High intra-ocular pressure (IOP) is a known risk factor for developing glaucoma. The assessment for glaucoma comprises several different types of tests which include nerve scans and visual field testing. It is important to listen to the advice of your ophthalmologist, keep up with your medications and follow-ups.

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Rifandi AL answered 2 years ago

Doctor, it has been a week since I cannot open my right eye. It is swollen and throbbing painfully. What condition is this?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
Sorry to hear that! There are multiple conditions that can cause a red, painful and swollen eye which include infections, allergies or tumors. Unfortunately, without a physical assessment of your eyes, it is difficult for us to provide a diagnosis. We strongly recommend that you see an
eye specialist as soon as possible to rule out any dangerous acute conditions like corneal abrasion, uveitis or acute glaucoma.

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Retno answered 2 years ago

Good afternoon, Doctor. My temples feel tensed lately and my eyes hurt until they make me dizzy. Sometimes I feel like there is dirt inside my eyes. Please give me your advice.

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello!
The first question would be to find out when do you experience such symptoms? Is it after a long work day in front of a computer, digital tablet or mobile phone or reading documents for long hours?

If yes, it might suggest of an eye strain. Eye strain can often give rise to symptoms like tension around the eyes, pressured sensation in the eyes, headaches, and even difficulty in focusing on objects. Studies have shown that we blink 60% less when we concentrate for long hours
which causes one to experience symptoms of dry eyes such as grittiness in eyes, stinging or burning sensation, or itchy eyes.

We suggest trying the 20-20-20 rule – after 20 minutes of computer work, take 20 seconds break, look at something 20 feet away. By taking more visual breaks in between work, instilling preservative-free lubricating eyedrops, will give your eyes and eye muscles some rest.

Finally, if you have not been to an eye doctor lately, now would be a good time for a thorough check-up to exclude any serious eye condition.

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Zaenab answered 2 years ago

Doctor, what is the medicine for irritated eyes where the condition has persisted past 1 week?

dr. David Chan replied 2 years ago

Hello! Are your eyes itchy or red or painful or does it feel like you have something in your eyes? There could be many causes for irritated eyes. It could range from dry eyes to serious infections that threaten vision. Please see an eye specialist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.

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