Glaucoma Surgery

Why Early Glaucoma Treatment Matters

Glaucoma often progresses silently, with many patients experiencing no noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. Early assessment by a glaucoma specialist in Singapore allows for timely treatment, slowing disease progression and reducing the risk of permanent blindness. If you suspect you may have glaucoma or are at risk, early consultation is strongly advised.

Causes & Risk Factors of Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, most commonly due to elevated intraocular pressure. This pressure buildup may result from poor drainage of aqueous fluid, excessive fluid production, or eye trauma.

Common risk factors include:

• Age over 60
• Family history of glaucoma
• High eye pressure
• Thin corneas
• Diabetes or hypertension
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications

Understanding your risk factors helps determine when early screening and preventive treatment are needed.

Types of Glaucoma We Diagnose and Treat

• Chronic Glaucoma (Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma): The most common form, where the drainage angle remains open, but the eye’s drainage channels become less efficient over time, leading to gradual pressure buildup.
• Acute Glaucoma (Angle-Closure Glaucoma): Occurs when the drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked, causing a rapid increase in eye pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
• Normal Tension Glaucoma: Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal intraocular pressure. It may be linked to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
• Secondary Glaucoma: Results from other medical conditions like diabetes, eye injuries, inflammation, or the use of certain medications.
• Childhood Glaucoma (Congenital Glaucoma): A rare form present at birth or developing early in life, often due to improper development of the eye’s drainage system.

Recognising the Symptoms of Glaucoma

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Severe eye pain (acute glaucoma)
• Nausea and vomiting (accompanying severe eye pain)
• Sudden onset of visual disturbances, often in low light
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Redness in the eye

Early detection is crucial, as many forms of glaucoma develop without noticeable symptoms until significant vision loss occurs. Regular eye exams are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.

Glaucoma Treatment Options Available

Most cases of open-angle glaucoma can be effectively managed with prescription eye drops. In some patients, additional treatment with laser therapy or glaucoma surgery may be required to achieve adequate pressure control.

Patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma require urgent medical treatment and, in many cases, immediate surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss.

Your glaucoma specialist will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on your condition, disease progression, and overall eye health.

Schedule a comprehensive glaucoma screening with our eye specialists today to ensure early detection and protect your long-term vision health.

Glaucoma Screening & Diagnostic Testing at International Eye Clinic

Glaucoma screening involves checking the eye pressures, the anterior chamber angles (drainage angles – whether they are open/ narrow /closed), visual fields tests, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve head.