S'pore first in Asia to have 2 new procedures for myopia correction
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 November 2009 2354 hrs

	Photos  of

SINGAPORE: Singapore has become the first city in Asia to introduce two new techniques of myopia correction, with one technique promising to help those with myopia of over 1,000 degrees.

With the new procedures, people who are myopic can now say goodbye to glasses.

One such example is 23-year-old eye patient Lum Kheng Loon, who had 400 degrees of myopia in both eyes.

He underwent a new lasik surgery introduced in Singapore two months ago, and can now go without glasses.

Lum said: "Before the surgery, I was a bit nervous, but during the surgery, everything was painless."

This new surgery – the "No Touch All Laser EpiLASIK" – is minimally invasive, using laser to remove the cornea's skin (epithelium). Laser is again used on the cornea to correct the eyesight.

The procedure costs S$3,000 and so far, 14 people have undergone the procedure, with 12 attaining perfect vision.

Doctors say the procedure is suitable for those with thin corneas, those with small, deep set eyes, or those leading active lifestyles.

Another procedure called the "Phakic Intro-Ocular Lenses" – also a first in Asia – is for those with myopia of above 600 degrees.

"I would strongly recommend it, this kind of implants for people with degrees of a range of 1,000 degrees and above," said Dr Julian Theng, a medical doctor with Eagle Eye Centre.

"(It's quite comfortable, and) it offers excellent visual quality - even better than lasik procedure. And it's very easily done - the procedure is short and simple, and easily reversible."

The procedure costs S$3,200 per eye.

The centre has also introduced new chromogen lenses which helps colour blind patients better distinguish colours.

- CNA/yb