Glaucoma Treatment in Singpaore by Dr Leo Seo Wei
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in Singapore, responsible for 40% of all cases of blindness in the country.
Known as the “Silent Thief of Sight”, it often develops without any pain or noticeable vision loss in its early stages. By the time most patients notice a problem, significant and irreversible damage has already occurred.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, which is the nerve that carries visual signals from the eye to the brain. Once the optic nerve fibres are damaged, the vision loss is permanent and irreversible. This is why glaucoma is known as the 'Silent Thief of Sight': most patients lose a significant amount of vision before they notice any symptoms at all.
In many cases, glaucoma is associated with elevated pressure due to a build-up of fluid inside the eye. Over time, the increased pressure can damage the optic nerve fibres. Left untreated, glaucoma can progress from peripheral vision loss to tunnel vision and, in severe cases, blindness. However, with early detection and appropriate treatment, the progression of glaucoma can be significantly slowed, allowing most patients to maintain functional vision throughout their lifetime.
What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?
One of the most concerning aspects of glaucoma is that it is often asymptomatic in its early and moderate stages, particularly primary open-angle glaucoma, which typically causes no pain or noticeable changes in vision until the disease is advanced.
As the condition progresses, symptoms may include:
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
By the time a patient notices peripheral vision loss or "tunnel vision" in their daily life, significant and irreversible damage to the optic nerve has often already occurred. This is why regular eye examinations are important for detecting glaucoma before symptoms develop.
- Sudden, severe eye pain
- Blurred vision or sudden vision loss
- Rainbow-coloured halos around lights
- Severe headache
- Nausea and vomiting
If you experience the sudden onset of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, as prompt treatment may help prevent permanent vision loss.
Have a Family History of Glaucoma?
Glaucoma Has a Strong Hereditary Link
Sense a Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision?
Most Cases Start Off With Peripheral Vision Loss
Have High Eye Pressure?
High Eye Pressure May Damage The Optic Nerve
Have Diabetes & Circulation Problems?
These Increase Your Risk of Developing Glaucoma
Over the Age of 40?
Older Age Increases The Risk of Developing Glaucoma
If you are over the age of 40 or have any of these risk factors, be proactive in seeking early diagnosis.
Seek glaucoma assessment
Step 1:
Book an Appointment
Let our eye specialist conduct a detailed screening test for glaucoma – this typically includes a review of your family history, a visual field test and an eye pressure test.
Step 2:
Early Intervention to Slow Progression
There may not be a cure for glaucoma, but early detection and targeted intervention can do wonders in slowing its progression significantly, thus preserving sight.
Step 3:
Clear Vision for Much Longer
With early and sustained treatment, glaucoma’s progression can be significantly slowed, so you can enjoy decent eyesight decades on in your golden years.
What Are the Different Types of Glaucoma?
There are several types of glaucoma, each with different causes and treatment approaches. Identifying the type of glaucoma is an important part of planning appropriate treatment.
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type of glaucoma. The eye’s drainage angle remains open, but the drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure to build up gradually. It usually develops slowly and often causes no noticeable symptoms until vision loss has occurred.
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Primary angle-closure glaucoma occurs when the drainage angle between the iris and cornea becomes narrowed or blocked, preventing fluid from draining normally. This can cause a sudden rise in eye pressure and is a medical emergency, although some cases develop more gradually.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
Normal-tension glaucoma causes optic nerve damage even though eye pressure remains within the normal range. Comprehensive eye examinations are important, as eye pressure measurements alone may not detect this condition.
Secondary Glaucoma
Secondary glaucoma develops as a result of another eye condition or medical problem, such as prolonged steroid use, eye injury, inflammation or diabetic eye disease. Treatment focuses on managing both the underlying cause and the glaucoma.
Paediatric Glaucoma
Paediatric glaucoma is a rare condition that affects infants and children. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help preserve vision and support healthy visual development.
How Does Our Clinic Provide Treatment Options for Glaucoma?
At our clinic, our glaucoma treatment methods focus on lowering eye pressure and slowing damage to the optic nerve. Appropriate treatment approaches depend on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as your individual eye condition.
Eye Drops
Eye drops are often the first treatment for glaucoma. Different medications lower eye pressure by reducing fluid production, improving drainage or both. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable medication and monitor your response over time.
Laser treatment may be recommended if eye drops are unsuitable or do not adequately control eye pressure. Depending on the type of glaucoma, laser procedures can improve fluid drainage or help prevent acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Surgery may be considered when glaucoma cannot be adequately controlled with eye drops or laser treatment. Depending on your condition, options may include minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery to lower eye pressure and help preserve vision.
Early Glaucoma Diagnosis Can Help Preserve Your Vision
Glaucoma requires ongoing monitoring and timely treatment to help slow disease progression and preserve vision. With the right management, many patients are able to maintain functional vision for many years.
At Dr Leo Adult & Paediatric Eye Specialist Clinic, Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist Dr Leo Seo Wei provides comprehensive glaucoma assessment and personalised treatment plans tailored to your condition. Whether you require ongoing monitoring, medical therapy, laser treatment or glaucoma surgery, our clinic aims to help preserve your vision through timely diagnosis and appropriate care.
Contact us today to arrange a glaucoma assessment and discuss the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Optic nerve assessment
- Visual field testing
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) imaging
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle
Yes. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. However, early detection and proper treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss.
Eye pressure rises when the aqueous fluid inside the eye does not drain properly or is produced faster than it can drain away. Elevated eye pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma and can damage the optic nerve over time.
Yes. This is known as normal-tension glaucoma. Some individuals develop optic nerve damage despite having eye pressure within the normal range.
Glaucoma cannot currently be cured, and vision loss caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. However, treatment can effectively slow the progression of glaucoma and, in many patients, prevent further vision loss.
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but early detection through regular eye examinations is the best way to prevent severe vision loss.
Meet Our Eye Specialist in Singapore
MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd (Ophth, UK), MMed (Ophth, S'pore), FRCSEd (Ophth, UK), FAMS (Ophth, S'pore)
Dr Leo Seo Wei is a senior consultant ophthalmologist with over 20 years of clinical experience in diagnosing and managing glaucoma and other eye conditions. She provides comprehensive glaucoma care, from early detection and ongoing monitoring to medical therapy, laser treatment and glaucoma surgery, with personalised management plans tailored to each patient's condition.
In addition to glaucoma management, Dr Leo has extensive experience treating a wide range of adult and paediatric eye conditions. She is committed to helping patients preserve their vision through timely diagnosis, evidence-based treatment and long-term follow-up.