Glaucoma Management in Singapore: Understanding, Causes, and Management
Glaucoma
November 16, 2023
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss if not detected and managed appropriately.
One of the challenges with glaucoma is that it may develop gradually and cause few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why regular eye examinations can be important, particularly for individuals with known risk factors.
Glaucoma is also an important eye-health concern in Singapore. Population studies have found a glaucoma prevalence of around 3% among adults aged 40 and above, with prevalence increasing with age.
What is Glaucoma?
The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. In glaucoma, progressive damage to this nerve can result in loss of visual field and, in more advanced cases, permanent vision impairment.
Elevated intraocular pressure, or eye pressure, is an important risk factor for glaucoma, but glaucoma can also develop in people whose eye pressure falls within the normal range.
There are several types of glaucoma, including:
- primary open-angle glaucoma;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- normal-tension glaucoma; and
- secondary glaucoma.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is one of the more common forms and often develops gradually without obvious symptoms.
A Singapore population study involving Chinese adults aged 40 and above found an age-standardised glaucoma prevalence of 3.2%, including both primary open-angle and primary angle-closure glaucoma.
Causes of Glaucoma:
Elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, but other factors may contribute to its development as well. These include a family history of glaucoma, increasing age, diabetes, hypertension and high myopia, as well as previous eye injuries or surgery.
Signs and symptoms of Primary open angle glaucoma
- An eye pressure of greater than 21mmHg
- An open angle
- Glaucomatous Cupping and Thinning of nerve fibre layer ( Diagram 1 and Diagram2)
- Visual field loss (Diagram 3)
- Usually Asymptomatic until significant loss of visual field
Signs and symptoms of Acute closed angle glaucoma
- Sudden blurring of vision
- Severe eye pain
- Headache
- Nausea
- Haloes around lights
Optometrist role in glaucoma management:
It is important with any comprehensive eye examination to be able to detect any indication of glaucoma as well as any eye related diseases which will then be referred to an opthalmologist to confirm diagnosis and treatment.
At Philip D. Izaac, eye examinations may include diagnostic tools such as a fundus camera, visual field testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and tonometry to measure eye pressure. These tests can support the early detection and monitoring of glaucoma-related changes.
With a strong emphasis on patient education and support, Philip D Izaac and associate ensures individuals with glaucoma have the knowledge and resources necessary to manage their condition effectively. By understanding glaucoma, treatment options, and adopting lifestyle modifications that promote eye health, patients can actively participate in their own care and maintain a good quality of life.
By addressing glaucoma promptly, adhering to treatment plans, and seeking regular eye care, individuals can take control.
![(Diagram 1 : Normal cupping vs Glaucomatous cupping [3])](https://philip-d-izaac.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/diagram-300x165.png "Glaucoma Management in Singapore: Understanding, Causes, and Management 3")
About the Author
Dip. Optom. | B.Sc. Optom. (USA) | M.Sc. in Clinical Optom. (USA) | MOH Reg. No. E0801695J
Philip David Izaac is a fully registered optometrist who has been in vision care since 1988. He holds a Master of Science in Clinical Optometry from Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Salus University, USA, and practises at Paragon Medical Centre, Orchard Road, Singapore. Registered with the MOH Optometrists & Opticians Board (Reg. No. EO801695J) since 17 March 2008.