New technology for eye surgery to be rolled out to more Singapore hospitals
Laser-assisted surgery carried out for the first time last year will make it’s way to more of the country’s hospitals by next year
By Eveline Gan
Despite spending most of his working hours outdoors inspecting heavy machinery over the last decade, sun protection was never a priority for businessman Tan Beng Wee, 61, who found wearing sunglasses and hats “inconvenient”.
The excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light took a toll on his eyes.
Three years ago, Mr Tan was diagnosed with pterygium, a benign wing-shaped lesion that typically occurs in the corner of the eye. Also known as Surfer’s Eye, the condition is more commonly seen in countries near the Equator, such as Singapore, due to the higher UV exposure in these parts of the world. Left unchecked, pterygium may affect vision.
The reddish fleshy lesions became larger over time and eventually spread to Mr Tan’s pupils.
“I’ve heard of UV rays damaging the skin but was not aware they could affect the eyes, too. By the time I realised my mistake (of not wearing sunglasses), it was too late,” he said.
Last year, Mr Tan became the first person in the world to undergo the femtosecond laser-assisted pterygium surgery (Flaps) at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC). It was the first time the laser technology, which has been used for cataract and Lasik surgery, was used in pterygium surgery.