Do I Have Glaucoma? Early Signs You Shouldn't Ignore
Dr Leo Seo Wei
Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ophth) (NUS), FRCS (Edin) (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that primarily affect the optic nerve, the crucial cable connecting your eye to your brain. This condition typically arises when the fluid (aqueous humor) within the eye becomes clogged or malfunctions, leading to a buildup of pressure.
This elevated pressure gradually damages the optic nerve, resulting in a progressive loss of peripheral vision. If left undiagnosed and untreated, this damage can tragically advance to total blindness, making early intervention crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss.
Common Early Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma
Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma presents with subtle symptoms that frequently go unnoticed. When symptoms do appear, they often include:
- Blurred Vision: Sudden blurriness of vision may occur in the early stages of angle-closure glaucoma and advanced open-angle glaucoma. It can be mild or severe and affect one or both eyes.
- Halos Around Lights: A person with glaucoma may see rainbow-colored halos or rings around lights, especially at night. This symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Eye Pain and Headache: Discomfort or aching in or around the eye is a common symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma. The pain can be intense and come with a headache on the same side as the affected eye.
- Eye Redness: In angle-closure types, the white part of the eye may appear red or bloodshot. Redness occurs when high eye pressure irritates the blood vessels on the surface of the eye.
- Nausea and Vomiting: People with acute angle-closure glaucoma often feel sick to their stomach and may even vomit. This occurs because the severe eye pain and dangerously high intraocular pressure can activate the vagus nerve, triggering nausea and vomiting.
- Sudden Vision Loss: The sudden blockage of fluid drainage can cause severe pressure that can damage the optic nerve quickly. This can trigger an acute glaucoma attack, potentially causing rapid vision loss in one or both eyes within minutes to hours.
- Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription: Needing a new glasses prescription every few months might signal an underlying eye condition like open-angle glaucoma. As the optic nerve damage progresses, it can subtly affect peripheral vision and overall clarity, leading patients to seek frequent updates to their prescription.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an eye exam with an experienced eye specialist in Singapore .
Why Early Detection Matters
Many glaucoma cases can be effectively treated when detected early. Although early glaucoma is often asymptomatic, routine screenings can uncover the condition in time to prevent vision loss. Regular monitoring allows your eye doctor to track any changes in your optic nerve, visual field, and eye pressure over time.
To identify the early signs of glaucoma, several comprehensive eye exams can be performed:
- Tonometry: This test measures the pressure inside your eye (IOP).
- Ophthalmoscopy: An eye doctor uses this to examine the shape and colour of your optic nerve.
- Perimetry: Also known as a visual field test, this checks for areas of vision loss.
- Gonioscopy: This uses a special mirrored contact lens to check the eye’s internal drainage system.
- Pachymetry: This is a simple test that measures the thickness of your cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
Why Choose Dr Leo Seo Wei for Glaucoma Treatment
At our clinic, we offer a comprehensive and reassuring approach to protecting your vision. Led by Dr Leo Seo Wei, an ophthalmologist with over two decades of clinical experience, our team provides personalised glaucoma treatment using modern technology for accurate diagnosis and effective management.
We take the time to understand each patient's medical history, lifestyle, and individual needs to create a customised treatment plan. Our dedicated staff ensures you are comfortable and supported, explaining your condition and guiding you through every step of the process.
Remember, early diagnosis through regular screening is crucial in protecting eyesight. Proactive eye care and regular check-ups are your best defence against glaucoma. If you are experiencing early signs and symptoms of glaucoma, book a consultation with our ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment.