Ask an Ophthalmologist: Dr Au Eong Kah Guan from Mount Elizabeth Hospital (Orchard) Singapore

dr. Au Eong Kah Guan replied 2 years ago

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataract surgery typically is performed only once in each eye. Once a cataract has been removed, it does not recur. During surgical removal of the cloudy lens, the back portion of the lens capsule (called posterior capsule) is retained. This remnant lens capsule is used to support an artificial lens implant which replaces the original natural lens.

This remnant lens capsule in the eye can sometimes becomes cloudy after several years. This condition is called an “after-cataract” or “posterior capsule opacification”. It can cause blurring of vision once again, like the original cataract. However, this is not a true cataract. “After-cataract” can be easily treated with a procedure called "YAG laser posterior capsulotomy”. A small opening is made in the capsule to clear the visual axis during the laser procedure and this enables the eye to see clearly again.

It is generally safe for a diabetic to undergo cataract surgery. However, before any cataract surgery, it is important to check the health of the retina, especially in a diabetic patient. Diabetic retinopathy is a common diabetes complication that affects the retina, the light-sensitive back portion of the eye. If a cataract patient also has diabetic retinopathy, the diabetic retinopathy may have to be treated first if it is severe. Otherwise, the diabetic retinopathy may sometimes rapidly worsen after cataract surgery, leading to worsening of the vision.

dr. Au Eong Kah Guan replied 2 years ago

Eye redness and discharge may be caused by a number of conditions.

If the redness is acute and severe, it could be due to an infection of the conjunctiva or conjunctivitis. The conjunctiva is the transparent membrane that covers the white of the eye. Conjunctivitis caused by bacterial infection can cause eye redness with pus or mucus-like discharge. Viruses can also cause conjunctivitis, producing eye redness and watery discharge. Viral conjunctivitis may also be associated with sore throat and running nose.

If the eye redness and discharge are associated with blurry vision, pain or light sensitivity, it could be due to a serious infection or inflammation in the eye such as anterior uveitis.

Eye redness and discharge can also be due to blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. Blepharitis is a chronic disorder of the eyelids and cause cause foamy or frothy eye discharge and eyelid crusting. Dry eye can also cause eye redness and discharge.

The treatment of eye redness and discharge depends on its cause. An examination by an eye care professional can show up signs in the eyes which can help narrow down on the cause of the condition.

dr. Au Eong Kah Guan replied 2 years ago

It is not normal for you to feel pain when you blink your eyes, even when you are wearing contact lenses. Pain is a sign of inflammation and is nature’s way of warning you that something is not right with your eyes. Likewise, redness in the eye is also a warning sign of inflammation.

The key warning signs of inflammation in the eye can be summarised by the following mnemonic: “R.V.S.P.”. “R”stands for redness, “S”for swelling, “V” for vision decrease and “P” for pain. If you have one or more of these four symptoms in your eye, you are likely to have inflammation in your eye and this can be dangerous.

A white dot on your cornea, the normally transparent covering on the front of your eye, could be infiltration of white blood cells in your cornea or a corneal ulcer, especially when it is associated with eye redness. A corneal ulcer is a potentially blinding condition. In contact lens wearers, it is commonly caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an aggressive bacteria that can cause the cornea to perforate in days.

You should cease contact lens wear and consult an eye specialist immediately for your symptoms.

dr. Au Eong Kah Guan replied 2 years ago

The caruncle is the small pink nodule at the inner corner of one’s eye. It is made of skin covering some glands.

A mole is a coloured-spot on one’s body, and can occur on the caruncle.

Most people have moles on their body and they are usually nothing to worry about unless they change size, shape or colour.

If your friend’s mole is indeed getting bigger and bigger, it may be wise to have it surgically removed and sent for examination. The examination can determine if the mole is benign or cancerous. It is unusual to feel pain around a mole and other causes of eye pain should be excluded. If no other cause for the pain is found, it is another reason to consider having the mole removed.

If the mole is small, the surgery should be straightforward and relatively safe. However, as in all surgeries, there are risks involved with the surgery and these include bleeding, scarring and possible injury to other tissues near the mole. The doctor can discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your friend so that he or she can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with the surgery or to continue observing the mole for further changes.