Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” and for good reason. It can damage your optic nerve without noticeable symptoms until it’s too late. That’s why seeing a trusted glaucoma specialist in Singapore is so important. With early detection and regular eye screenings, you can take proactive steps to protect your vision for the long term.
Choosing a caring and experienced eye specialist in Singapore can make all the difference in preserving your vision. In this guide, you’ll find practical insights to help you navigate your options, and take control of your eye health.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that affect the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. The damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), though glaucoma can also develop even when IOP is normal. Without treatment, it can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
Types of Glaucoma Most Commonly Diagnosed in Singapore
Several types of glaucoma are commonly diagnosed in Singapore:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): The most common type, occurring when the eye’s drainage system gradually becomes less efficient, leading to increased IOP.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ACG): Happens when the drainage angle suddenly gets blocked, causing a rapid increase in IOP. This requires urgent medical attention.Â
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG): Optic nerve damage occurs even with normal eye pressure, though the exact cause is unclear.
- Secondary Glaucoma: Develops due to other eye or medical conditions, such as cataracts, diabetes, or certain medications.
Signs and Risk Factors
Glaucoma often starts without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye exams crucial to help safeguard your sight. As the condition progresses, you may notice:
Gradual Loss of Side Vision
Often the first sign of POAG.
Tunnel Vision
Peripheral vision worsens, making you feel like you are looking through a tunnel.
Eye Pain
More common in angle-closure glaucoma.
Blurred Vision
Can occur in various types of glaucoma.
Halos Around Lights
A typical symptom of angle-closure glaucoma.
Red Eyes
Often linked to increased eye pressure.
Nausea and Vomiting
Can accompany acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Who may be at higher risk? Certain factors make glaucoma more likely:
- Age: Risk increases after 40.
- Family History: If a close relative has glaucoma, your risk is higher.
- High Intraocular Pressure (IOP): A major risk factor for glaucoma.
- Myopia (nearsightedness): More common in people with an elongated eye shape.
- Diabetes and High Blood Pressure: Linked to a higher risk.
- Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in Asian communities.
- Long-Term Steroid Use: Can raise eye pressure over time.
- Eye Injuries or Previous Surgery: Damage may increase the risk.
How Glaucoma Is Diagnosed by Eye Specialists
Diagnosing glaucoma requires an eye exam by your eye doctor, which may include:
- Tonometry: Measures eye pressure (IOP).
- Gonioscopy: Checks drainage angles.
- Visual Field Test: Assesses peripheral vision loss.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Produces high-resolution optic nerve images.
- Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which can affect IOP readings.
Glaucoma Treatment Options in Singapore
Several treatment options help manage glaucoma and slow its progression:
- Prescription Eye Drops: The most common treatment, designed to lower IOP.
- Laser Treatment
- Trabeculoplasty: Improves drainage to reduce IOP.Â
- Iridotomy: Creates a small hole in the iris to relieve pressure in angle-closure glaucoma.
- SurgeryÂ
- Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage pathway for fluid.
- Drainage Implants: Small tubes help fluid exit the eye.
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): Techniques designed to lower IOP while reducing potential complications associated with traditional glaucoma surgery.
Choosing an Eye Specialist in Singapore
Finding the right eye specialist in Singapore is key to effective management of the condition.
Qualities to Look For in an Eye Care Professional
Qualifications and Expertise
Choose an ophthalmologist with recognised credentials and experience in diagnosing and treating eye conditions.
Reputation
Check online reviews and ask for recommendations from other doctors or patients.
Communication Skills
Find a doctor who explains things clearly and answers your questions.
Must-Ask Questions During Your Consultation
- What type of glaucoma do I have?
- What is my IOP?
- How much optic nerve damage do I have?
- What are my treatment options?
- What are the risks and benefits of each treatment option?
- What is the likelihood of success with each treatment option?
- How often will I need to be monitored?
- What can I do to protect my vision?
Why Prompt Diagnosis and Care Can Make All the Difference
Early diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma are essential to help preserve your vision. Glaucoma often has no visible symptoms in its early stages until it’s too late, making regular eye exams crucial, especially if you have risk factors for the disease. With timely diagnosis, suitable treatments and regular screenings, most patients with glaucoma may be able to manage their condition and preserve vision.
Consult an Eye Specialist in Singapore
Protecting your vision from glaucoma is our priority. If you have any concerns or risk factors, don’t hesitate to request a glaucoma consultation with our Singapore specialist at Angel Eye & Cataract Centre. Early detection and treatment can make a real difference in protecting your eyesight.
