The human eye is made up of many parts that work together to create the images we see. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending information from your eyes to your brain. (Glaucoma surgery in Singapore may be recommended to help manage the effects of glaucoma. Learn surgery basics on this page: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/what-is-glaucoma/.)
The optic nerve carries visual messages through the back of your eyeball and into your brain along a very thin tissue called the optic nerve head or “blind spot” where there are no light-sensing cells.
A build-up of fluid in this area can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of peripheral vision, color vision problems, and eventually blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma occurs when the drainage system inside your eye fails to transport this fluid out into surrounding tissues allowing it to continue building up without any means of escape. The build-up leads to a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP) that damages the optic nerve.
What is Glaucoma Surgery, and why would you need it done?
Glaucoma surgery in Singapore is performed to create a new opening in the eye, which will allow the fluid inside to drain out. For this surgery to be successful, you must have a drainage system within your eye that is capable of draining the fluid from your eye into surrounding tissues.
If there is not enough drainage or poorly functioning drainage, glaucoma surgery is unlikely to be an option. There are a couple of different types of glaucoma surgeries, which include:
- Trabeculectomy
- Canaloplasty
- Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT)
- Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Laser suture lysis
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Trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy is the most common glaucoma surgery performed today. It is used to treat many types of glaucoma but is especially effective for open-angle glaucoma.
Your surgeon carves out a small area in your sclera (the white outer coat of the eye), below the drainage angle, where the scleral spur juts into the suprachoroidal space. A new opening or “window” is then created through your sclera and into Schlemm’s canal, allowing the fluid inside to flow out naturally.
After trabeculectomy, you will need both eye drops and pills to help keep the pressure under control. If this procedure is not done carefully, it can lead to complications such as glaucoma or loss of vision.
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Canaloplasty
This procedure is similar to trabeculectomy in that it aims to create a new opening into the eye but differs in that it uses some of Schlemm’s canal to do so instead of carving out an area of your sclera. A microcatheter is inserted through your cornea by way of a tiny incision.
It then goes on to insert fluid into Schlemm’s canal, creating additional drainage paths for the fluid within your eyes. This new opening will help drain out any excess fluid and make room for healthier, more effective drainage.
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Argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT)
An argon laser works to reduce the intraocular pressure by creating a small opening through your sclera. This makes it easier for fluid to flow out of your eye, reducing pressure levels within your eyes.
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Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT)
This is similar to ALT in that it creates an opening through the sclera and into Schlemm’s canal by using argon lasers. However, SLT uses smaller laser fibers that help improve visual outcomes with less risk of complications than ALT treatment.
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Laser suture lysis
Laser suture lysis may be used when you have abnormal tissue causing blockage leading to glaucoma. A probe is inserted into your eye where it will use a laser to burn away excess tissue as well as the sutures that are holding it. The goal is for this procedure to restore normal drainage and reduce intraocular pressure levels.
Pills, injections, and eye drops may be used but they alone cannot cure glaucoma, but they can help you manage or delay its effects. If you have any questions concerning glaucoma or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, please contact us today at +65 6334 2282, and we will be more than happy to help you in all the ways we can.
Who should Consider Glaucoma Surgery?
This condition is often hereditary and mostly affects African Americans above the age of 40 more often than Caucasians. There are a number of risk factors associated with glaucoma, such as:
- Family history: People who have family members diagnosed with glaucoma tend to be at a higher risk for developing this eye disease themselves.
- Race: African Americans over the age of 40 are more likely to develop glaucoma.
- High blood pressure: This condition causes your optic nerve to become damaged over time.
- Diabetes: Just as high blood pressure, diabetes also increases the likelihood of developing glaucoma and can even cause the disease to develop more quickly than normal.
- Smoking: Smokers are about 2x more likely to develop glaucoma compared to those who do not smoke tobacco products.
- Age: The older you get, the higher your chances of developing this eye disease.
- Corneal thickness: People with corneas less than 500 microns thick are more likely to get glaucoma. This condition can also affect people who have had previous eye injuries or eye surgeries.
A combination of factors can increase these risks as well as certain medical conditions such as uveitis or inflammation within your eyes, which can affect your vision if left untreated. If you meet any of these criteria, your doctor may schedule an annual check-up where they will perform a number of tests to assess your eyes’ health and detect glaucoma signs.
Since this is considered an “incurable” disease, early detection is key in preventing damage to the optic nerve and preserving vision long term. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to sustained vision loss.
Final Thoughts
With the advancement of technology and surgical options, most people with glaucoma can have their eyes restored to normal function. While no surgery is 100 percent guaranteed, you can reduce your risk of developing this condition or further damaging your eyes if already within the early stages of glaucoma.
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Eye Specialist
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE, #06-25, 329563
+65 6334 2282
https://www.drchelvinsng.com/