Glaucoma can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, the doctor will check the pressure inside of your eyes and look for signs of damage to the optic nerve. The eye pressure test involves using a machine called a tonometer to measure the pressure in your eyes.
The other tests that the doctor may use before recommending glaucoma surgery in Singapore include the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT Scan), which uses light waves to create a cross-sectional image of the optic nerve, and the Gonioscopy which uses a special contact lens to examine the drainage angle of the eye. The OCT scan is considered the most accurate test for glaucoma because it can detect the earliest signs of damage to the optic nerve.
What are the Options for Treating Glaucoma in Singapore?
To begin with, Glaucoma is not currently curable, but it is a condition that can be managed and oftentimes reversed if caught and treated early on. The key to treating Glaucoma in Singapore is catching it early – in many cases, damage done to the eye cannot be reversed, but treatment can prevent further damage and even restore some vision.
Glaucoma is a lifelong condition, but with the right treatment and care, it need not drastically impact quality of life. The goal of glaucoma treatment is to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Treatment may include medications, laser surgery, or traditional surgery.
Medications for glaucoma are typically drops used once or twice a day. The most common type of medication is called beta-blockers, which work by decreasing the amount of fluid that the eye produces.
Laser surgery is a treatment that uses a laser to create a tiny opening in the eye to allow fluid to flow out. This surgery is typically used when medication and other treatments are ineffective in reducing pressure in the eyes.
Traditional surgery is an option for patients who do not respond to laser surgery or medication. During traditional surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the cornea to allow fluid to flow out.
With all that said, if you think or know that you have a risk for glaucoma and want to know if there is a cure for glaucoma, the answer as mentioned before is; no, glaucoma is not currently curable.
However, with early detection and treatment, damage to the eye can often be prevented or slowed. Now that you know that early detection and treatment is essential in the management of glaucoma, you may as well want to know when or how often you should have your eyes checked for glaucoma, and that brings us to the next issue;
What are the Risk Factors for Developing Glaucoma?
There are several risk factors for developing glaucoma, including age, family history, race, and medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. People over the age of 60 are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma, as are African Americans and those with a family history of the disease.
Anyone with diabetes or high blood pressure is also at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. You should see an ophthalmologist for glaucoma examination if;
- You see halos around lights: Seeing halos around lights is one of the early symptoms of glaucoma that shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you have a risk of glaucoma. Halos around lights can signify that you’re developing a serious complication of the eye like glaucoma or cataracts. You may also see halos as a side effect of LASIK surgery, cataract surgery or other eye surgery. If you haven’t had any type of eye surgery and started seeing halos, contact your ophthalmologist for an evaluation.
- You experience a sudden and severe loss of vision: A sudden and severe loss of vision, especially in one eye, is another symptom that should not be ignored. If you experience a sudden and severe loss of vision, chances are there is something seriously wrong with your eye, and you need to see an ophthalmologist right away.
- You experience sensitivity to light: If you start to experience sensitivity to light, it could be a sign of serious eye problems such as glaucoma or cataracts. If you have any medical condition that affects your eyes, you should see an ophthalmologist at least once a year for an eye exam.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk of Developing Glaucoma?
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing glaucoma. Here are a few adjustments that can help:
- Get regular eye exams: The best way to detect glaucoma early is by getting regular eye exams. An ophthalmologist can check for signs of glaucoma during an eye exam and catch the disease in its early stages. If you are at a high risk of glaucoma, you will need eye tests at least once every two years. If you were just recently diagnosed with glaucoma, you might need eye pressure checks every 7 or 30 days until your glaucoma is under control.
- Know your family history: If you have a family history of glaucoma, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly for the disease. Among the risk factors for developing glaucoma, having a family history of the disease is a significant risk factor that can’t be taken lightly.
- Don’t smoke: Smoking is a risk factor for developing glaucoma. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start.
- Manage your diabetes and high blood pressure: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure to get them under control. Both conditions can increase your risk of developing glaucoma.
Final Words
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease. It can easily lead to blindness if not treated. Early detection and treatment of glaucoma are key in preventing vision loss. If you are at a high risk of developing glaucoma, it’s important to get your eyes checked regularly for the disease. Regular tests can make a huge difference in the outcome of the disease.
At Chelvin SNG Eye Center, our team of specialists is experienced in diagnosing and treating glaucoma. We offer the latest treatments and technologies to help our patients preserve their vision. To make an appointment, please call us at +65 6334 2282.
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/