Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of irreversible blindness, often called the “silent thief of sight”. It is because the condition usually progresses slowly and painlessly that many people don’t realise they have it until permanent damage has occurred.
Fortunately, with early diagnosis and proper glaucoma treatment in Singapore, it’s possible to slow down or even stop its progression and preserve your vision for years to come.
Understanding Glaucoma and How It Affects the Eye
Glaucoma is an eye condition caused by abnormally high pressure inside the eye (known as intraocular pressure). Over time, this pressure damages the optic nerve, the vital connection between your eyes and brain that transmits visual information.
There are two main types of glaucoma:
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Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, develops slowly and often shows no early warning signs
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Angle closure glaucoma (or closed-angle glaucoma), on the other hand, can occur suddenly and is considered a medical emergency due to the rapid rise in eye pressure.
At Shinagawa Eye Centre, ophthalmologists utilise diagnostic imaging and pressure monitoring technology to accurately identify the type and stage of glaucoma before recommending a treatment plan.
The Goals of Glaucoma Treatment
While damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment focuses on lowering and controlling intraocular pressure (IOP) to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
The main goals of glaucoma treatment in Singapore are to
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Maintain a stable eye pressure within a safe range
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Prevent further loss
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Preserve the patient’s overall quality of life and ability to see clearly
Every patient’s treatment plan is customised, depending on the type of glaucoma, the severity of damage and their individual response to medication or procedures.
Advanced Diagnostics at Shingawa Eye Centre
Before recommending surgery, a thorough evaluation is performed using imaging technology, including:
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Confocal Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy – for detailed optic nerve topography and change analysis
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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the retina and optic nerve
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Visual Field Perimetry with Progression Analysis – tracks functional vision loss over time
These tools help the eye specialist determine disease severity and tailor surgical treatment accordingly.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
For most patients, the first line of defence involves prescription eye drops or oral medications that help reduce fluid production or improve fluid drainage from the eye.
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Eye drops: Medicated drops such as prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors are prescribed to lower eye pressure
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Oral medications: In cases where eye drops alone aren’t sufficient, tablets may be added to help decrease intraocular pressure.
Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor progress, as medication effectiveness may change over time. Your eye specialist may adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
What Patients Can Expect During Treatment
Glaucoma is typically a lifelong process. Regular check-ups, adherence to prescribed medication, and consistency are key to protecting your vision.
Patients can expect
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Comprehensive eye pressure checks during every visit
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Visual field testing to track changes in peripheral vision
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Adjustments in treatment plans as needed to maintain optimal control
By working closely with an ophthalmologist, you can preserve your sight and continue daily activities with minimal disruption.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
While glaucoma cannot be cured, early detection and timely glaucoma treatment in Singapore can make all the difference.
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, halos around lights or a feeling of pressure in the eyes or if you have a family history of glaucoma, it’s crucial to get screened by a professional.
Book an appointment at Shinagawa Eye Centre Singapore today for a comprehensive eye examination and personalised care plan to help safeguard your vision for the future.