The human eye is a complex organ that requires proper care and protection. It has a number of structures that are essential for you to see, such as the cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve. When these parts of your body are not properly cared for, they can deteriorate, leading to severe vision problems and, in some cases, even blindness.
At Asian Eye Institute, we offer a wide range of services, starting with comprehensive eye exams to assess overall eye health and diagnose eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Our highly skilled and experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and medical staff are all dedicated to providing compassionate care for every patient who visits us.
Over our years of service, we have become one of the country’s best eye care providers. We are also part of two international associations: the ASEAN Association of Eye Hospitals (AAEH) and the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH). Feel free to visit any of our clinics located at Rockwell Center Makati, Trinoma, Mall of Asia, and Commercenter Alabang. We also have the Asian Eye Vision Center at the Powerplant Mall, Makati.
When people experience blurry vision, their first instinct is to get their eyes checked. Aside from searching “Where can I get an eye exam near me?” online, they also wonder how eye exams are done.
Eye exams evaluate your overall eye condition. During these processes, expect your doctor to ask about your present eye problems and past medical history. They will also measure your eye grade and assess the front and back parts of your eyes to check if there are any irregularities.
Scheduling comprehensive eye exams helps parents become more proactive about their child’s eye health. These eye exams allow doctors to spot and treat any problems that may affect the child’s learning and development. It is also important to note that vision screenings are different from comprehensive eye exams. Vision screenings are basic eye tests that only check if your child has vision problems and not eye diseases, so these can never replace comprehensive eye exams.
Furthermore, pediatric eye doctors usually recommend children get their eyes screened as soon as they are born. Comprehensive eye exams should start as early as age 3. Some parents also schedule one for their children before they start school.
If your child does not have an eye problem, they can have their check ups every two years. However, they should get checked more frequently (or depending on the recommendation of their pediatric eye doctor) if they are cross-eyed, were born prematurely, have developmental delays or high refractive errors, or are wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Just as they are important for children, comprehensive eye exams are also vital for adults. How often you visit your doctor depends on your age, current eye condition, and family background. Those below 40 years old and have no vision problems can get routine tests every two years.
However, you must get checked annually if you are older than 40 and at risk of developing eye conditions. Most conditions, like glaucoma, cataract, and age-related macular degeneration, have no early warning signs.
More than 50% of vision loss is preventable when detected early. This is why comprehensive eye exams are vital. During your visit, your eye doctor will explain your eye condition and alert you if there are any irregularities you need to be concerned about. You will also be advised if there are any changes in your eye grade and if you need to update your eyeglass lenses.
Many people do not think of their health until they start feeling some level of discomfort. However, getting an annual comprehensive eye exam is essential, even if you do not experience any symptoms. Here are some things you should prepare for your regular examinations with your eye doctor:
For those who have contact lenses or glasses, make sure to bring them to your appointment. Your doctor will make sure that the prescription you have now is the best one for you.
If it has been determined that your eye grade changed since your last check up, you may be prescribed a new pair of spectacles to wear. If your eye grade has increased and you no longer want to use eyewear, various treatments are now available to restore your vision.
Although they specialize in one specific organ, there are different eye doctors in the medical field. Optometrists prescribe eyeglasses, contact lenses, low vision aids, and vision therapy. Furthermore, they can diagnose vision problems but are not trained to perform eye surgeries.
Ophthalmologists, meanwhile, receive further training. They are equipped with the knowledge and skills to prescribe eyeglasses and contact lenses and diagnose and treat different eye conditions through various treatments and surgical procedures. Some ophthalmologists also conduct research and clinical trials.
Lastly, it is a good idea to bring a pair of sunglasses to wear after your exam and a companion who can take you home. In some cases, your doctor may recommend dilating your eyes, so you may experience glare, light sensitivity, or blurred vision for several hours. Although the effect is temporary, this will help ensure your safety and comfort after your check up.
When getting a comprehensive eye exam, it is important to consider the cost of the eye exam and doctor’s fees. Here are other factors that may affect your total bill after a visit to your eye doctor:
There are different health insurance policies available. If you have one, you may have a monthly or yearly fee for an insurance company to cover your medical expenses. PhilHealth is the most common but does not cover comprehensive eye exams. It may, however, cover selected diagnostic tests and eye surgeries.
There may be differences in the costs of eye exams based on whether you access health care in urban or rural areas. It can also be affected by the availability of advanced equipment, tests, or treatments in your area.
Your current eye condition may affect the cost of your check up. Your eye doctor may recommend additional diagnostic tests that may be needed to confirm or rule out eye conditions. They may also prescribe medications, treatments, or other devices that may help improve your vision.
Whether you are getting an eye check up because you are feeling some discomfort or you want to ensure that your eyes are in excellent condition, Asian Eye has clinics in the following locations:
This is a store where optometrists perform basic eye tests and offer eyewear products. They can be found in various commercial establishments.
Aside from offering eyewear and doing medical assessments, ophthalmologists conduct complex surgeries and perform comprehensive exams in these locations.
Optical shops typically offer basic eye tests, including refraction or eye grade measurement. In case the optometrist notices any irregularities, they recommend you to an eye clinic or hospital for further assessment. Optical shops also offer a variety of eyewear products like glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses.
Usually staffed with ophthalmologists and optometrists, eye centers have a range of services, which include eye exams and diagnostic tests. Some may offer optical products like prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. Additionally, some eye centers provide surgical procedures.
Some hospitals have their own eye centers where they offer eye exams, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. They may also provide optical products like eyeglasses and contact lenses.
At Asian Eye Institute, we offer a full range of specialized medical services, including treatment and management of eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma, and retinal problems; LASIK; low vision and visual rehabilitation; eye plastic and reconstructive surgery; and ocular genetics. We also have an optical shop for your eyewear needs. Feel free to schedule an appointment at any of our clinics today.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems today. And it’s only more prevalent in Asia, with studies showing that more than 80% of children and young adults are affected.
Nearsightedness is caused by an irregularity in the shape of the eyeball. The eyeball is supposed to be round, but for myopic people, it is slightly elongated. As a result, you may experience blurry vision when looking at an object from a distance.
People with myopia might have trouble recognizing faces or reading small texts, especially if they are at a considerable distance from the person or item they are looking at. If left unmanaged, high myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.
The good news? With help from specialists, myopia can be managed through several treatment options. The goal is to not just to correct vision, but also to slow its progression.
Eye care specialists recommend early intervention and regular eye exams as the best way to manage myopia and prevent it from worsening.
Common options offered by eye care specialists include specialized eyeglass lenses, contact lenses such as Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), and medicated eye drops like low-dose atropine to slow progression. Meanwhile, older patients with stable prescriptions can opt to choose refractive surgeries such as LASIK or Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL).
Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses are one of the common ways to manage myopia. However, this correction method has some limitations, considering that these visual aids are quite easy to misplace or damage. Today, advanced myopia control lenses can help slow down eye elongation in children.
An alternative is undergoing surgery. The available procedures can be quite costly, though, so they might not be the right option for those on a tight budget.
For adults with stable prescriptions, procedures like LASIK and PRK permanently help reshape the cornea for clear vision. Ortho-K has also shown that it can deter myopia progression in kids up to 18 years old, making it a safe and effective alternative to LASIK. In many cases, myopia starts at an early age and can be properly diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam.
Interestingly, orthokeratology was actually developed to help control myopia in children and delay its progression. It works by gently reshaping the cornea to help the eyes focus properly on objects no matter the distance.
Special contact lenses, called ortho-k contact lenses, are worn at night for about six hours while you are sleeping. In the morning, when you wake up, you can take the lenses off and immediately notice how you can see clearly even without them.
If you are eligible, your eyes will then be thoroughly examined so doctors can get their exact measurements. The topography of your cornea will be determined to help eye care providers create custom-fit orthokeratology lenses.
Ready to take the next step? Talk to a specialist about the best eye care plan for you. Feel free to reach us at (02) 8-898-2020 or book an appointment here.
AEI’s main clinics are located at Phinma Plaza, with satellite clinics in TriNoma, Quezon City and Commercenter Alabang.
One of the biggest benefits of LASIK is how quickly results can be seen. Most patients notice an improvement in their vision just a few hours after the procedure. According to the American Refractive Surgery Council, more than 90% of patients achieve 20/20 vision, while 99% reach 20/40 vision or better. Yes, good enough to drive without glasses!
But the lingering question is, what happens after LASIK surgery? This is where we come in. We’re here to reassure you and tell how you can better care of your eyes during recovery.
Some LASIK patients will report dryness and light sensitivity during their recovery period. In fact, about 95% of patients report dry eyes during the first month after surgery. Others may also report a mild burning sensation. Doctors usually prescribe lubricating eye drops to combat the irritation.
Common temporary side effects may include dry eyes, glare, halos, and night vision disturbances. Your vision may continue to improve and stabilize over the next few weeks. Full recovery may take about three to six months, so regular follow-ups with your ophthalmologist are important to monitor your healing.
LASIK is designed to be long-lasting. Studies show that 94% of patients remain glasses-free five years after surgery. However, natural age-related changes like presbyopia (difficulty reading up close) may still occur in your 40s or 50s. This is a normal part of aging, not a sign that LASIK is wearing off.
In some cases, a small number of patients may need an enhancement procedure, especially if there’s a slight regression in vision. This is usually safe and effective when done by an experienced surgeon.
Nevertheless, more and more Filipinos are leaning towards LASIK because of its high success rate. Adding to its wider appeal is the relatively quick and painless procedure, as it also only requires 10 to 20 minutes to perform.
In a country like the Philippines, where the prevalence of visual impairment at 3.64%, specialists like Asian Eye Institute Head of the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services Dr. Robert T. Ang considers it a foolproof way to improve overall quality of life. It also helps to have the latest generation Victus Femtosecond Laser and Teneo 2 Excimer Laser, each sourced from German manufacturer Bausch and Lomb.
“Having an ultrafast laser speed shortens the treatment time. This means that we lessen the evaporation time and drying of the cornea,” explains Dr. Ang. “This also means that patients don’t have to be anxious during surgery, and there are lesser chances that they will move during the procedure.”
One of the best things about the advanced tracker technology is that it detects and adjusts to all eye movements. “So even if your eye moves up or down, left or right, the laser pulses will be fired in the correct location each time.” Iris Registration, on the other hand, ensures that your treatment will never be applied to another patient’s eyes.”
Ready to take the next step? At Asian Eye Institute, we offer advanced LASIK technology and personalized care to help you achieve your best vision here. Feel free to reach us at (02) 8-898-2020 or book an appointment here.
AEI’s main clinics are located at Phinma Plaza, with a satellite VIsion Center in Power Plant Mall, both of which are in Rockwell Center, Makati. There are also branches in TriNoma, Quezon City and Commercenter Alabang.
If your body feels fine but your eyes feel constantly exhausted, you’re not alone. Understanding why your eyes feel tired but not your body can help you recognize eye strain and know when it’s time to seek care.
If your eyes feel tired, heavy, or sore by the end of the day, you’re not alone. Many people describe eye strain as a constant sense of fatigue—burning, dryness, blurred vision, or the feeling that your eyes want to close, even after a full night’s sleep.
Occasional eye fatigue is common, especially in today’s screen-filled world. But when eye fatigue becomes a daily experience, it may be your eyes’ way of telling you that something needs attention. Understanding what causes eye strain, how it feels, and when to seek professional care can help protect both your comfort and your long-term vision.
Eye strain, also known as asthenopia, occurs when the eyes are overused or required to focus for extended periods without adequate rest.
Unlike eye diseases, eye strain doesn’t usually cause permanent damage on its own, but it can noticeably affect your comfort, productivity, and overall quality of life. That said, some eye conditions, such as early glaucoma symptoms, can be subtle at first and may mimic eye strain, which is why proper evaluation is important.
Eye strain typically develops gradually, making it easy to dismiss as “normal tiredness.” Over time, however, the discomfort may become more frequent, last longer, and grow harder to ignore.
Eye strain rarely has a single cause. It’s usually the result of several habits or conditions working together.
Staring at computers, phones, or tablets for hours reduces how often you blink. This leads to dryness, irritation, and blurred vision. Small text, poor screen contrast, and glare can make your eyes work even harder.
Even mild nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia can cause eye strain if left uncorrected. Your eyes constantly struggle to focus, leading to fatigue and headaches.
Working in lighting that’s too dim or too bright forces your eyes to adjust continuously. Glare from windows or overhead lights can worsen discomfort, especially during screen use.
Dry eye syndrome is a frequent contributor to eye strain. When tear quality or quantity is reduced, the eyes can feel sore, scratchy, or tired, often worsening in the afternoon or evening.
Reading, writing, sewing, or detailed tasks require sustained focus. Without breaks, the eye muscles become fatigued, much as overworked muscles elsewhere in the body do.
Screens that are too close, too far, or positioned at the wrong height can strain both your eyes and neck, contributing to overall discomfort.
Eye strain can feel different from person to person, but common symptoms include:
These symptoms often worsen as the day goes on and improve with rest—one of the key clues that eye strain may be the cause.
Small changes can make a noticeable difference in how your eyes feel.
While eye strain typically develops gradually, symptoms such as sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or a sudden increase in blurriness are not normal and require immediate medical attention.
Eye strain is often easy to manage, but if your symptoms keep coming back or seem to be getting worse, it’s worth paying attention. When tired eyes start affecting your day, causing headaches, or don’t feel better after rest, an eye checkup can help uncover what’s going on.
An eye doctor can check for refractive errors, dry eye disease, binocular vision problems, or other underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Early evaluation helps ensure that eye strain isn’t masking a more serious issue.
Depending on your needs, treatment may include updated prescriptions, dry eye management, or, when appropriate, advanced options such as laser eye surgery to improve visual clarity and reduce eye strain.
Your eyes work hard for you every day, and constant fatigue isn’t something you have to accept as normal. With proper eye care, healthy visual habits, and regular eye examinations, many people can reduce eye strain and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.
When your eyes feel tired all the time, it’s often a signal—not something to brush aside. Paying attention early can help improve how your eyes feel now and protect your vision in the years ahead.
If eye fatigue is affecting your daily life, set a clinic appointment at Asian Eye Institute. Our eye specialists offer personalized care, advanced diagnostic technology, and guidance tailored to your long-term eye health.
Get in touch with us today!
