Glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder characterised by damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment or eventual blindness. It primarily affects individuals over 60 and is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, crucial for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain, becomes damaged due to increased pressure within the eye. This is typically caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous humour (the clear fluid filling the space in the front of the eyeball between the lens and the cornea). In this article, we take a deeper look at glaucoma, uncovering the different types, symptoms and eye treatment options in Singapore to help you gain insight into this condition.
Learn more: How Does Ageing Affect Your Eyesight?
The Different Types of Glaucoma
Open-angle glaucoma
This glaucoma type is the most common and develops gradually due to an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) caused by a blockage in the drainage canals of the eye. The elevated pressure slowly damages the optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss that may progress to complete blindness if left untreated.
Angle-closure glaucoma
Also known as closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma arises when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes blocked, leading to a sudden increase in IOP. This obstruction can happen suddenly (acute angle-closure glaucoma) or gradually (chronic angle-closure glaucoma).
Congenital glaucoma
Congenital glaucoma is a rare but potentially serious condition that occurs in infants and young children, usually due to development abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system before birth. This disorder is often hereditary and can manifest shortly after birth or within the first few years of life. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention by eye specialists are crucial for managing congenital glaucoma and preserving vision in affected children.
Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Eye pressure or pain
- Headaches
- Low vision
- Blurred vision
- Narrowed vision
- Blind spots
- Red eyes
- Nausea and vomiting
How to Manage and Treat Glaucoma
While several glaucoma treatment approaches exist, it all depends on the patient and the severity of the condition. An experienced eye specialist in Singapore will take the time to discuss any concerns and develop a tailored treatment plan most suited to you. Below are a few common treatment methods.
Medication
Eye drops are the most common form of medication prescribed for glaucoma treatment. They work by either reducing the production of aqueous humour or increasing its drainage from the eye. Several classes of eye drops can be used with each class working through different mechanisms to lower IOP.
Laser Therapy
When medication alone proves insufficient in controlling IOP, an eye specialist might introduce laser therapy. Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) is one of the most prevalent laser procedures for glaucoma, involving using a specialised laser to target and treat the eye’s drainage system. By applying laser energy to this area, SLT stimulates a biological response that improves the outflow of aqueous humour, thereby reducing IOP. Apart from SLT, another laser procedure, known as laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI), is used primarily for angle-closure glaucoma to create a small hole in the iris, allowing fluid to flow more freely within the eye and relieving pressure.
Surgery
Surgical interventions for glaucoma are typically reserved for moderate to advanced cases or when other treatments have proven ineffective. Such procedures aim to create alternative drainage pathways for the aqueous humour, reducing IOP and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. For instance, trabeculectomy, a popular glaucoma procedure, creates a new drainage channel by removing a small piece of tissue from the eye’s drainage system.
Although the risk of age-related glaucoma cannot be altered, proactive measures can be taken to prevent its progression. Regular eye examinations are essential to identify potential issues, which may otherwise go unnoticed. Early detection can significantly impact eye health and overall well-being in the long term, underscoring the importance of routine check-ups.
Nova Eye Centre is dedicated to delivering a full suite of services including glaucoma treatment, general eye screening, LASIK surgery and more. With over 20 years of experience, we are well-positioned to address and treat a wide range of eye conditions.