Glaucoma
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve over time, often resulting in vision loss or blindness if left untreated. Damage normally starts at the periphery and gradually progresses toward the central vision.
Common symptoms
Open-angle glaucoma often has no symptoms initially. As it progresses, patients may develop blind spots in peripheral vision. Acute angle-closure glaucoma presents suddenly with:
Types of glaucoma
Primary open-angle glaucoma
Gradual clogging of eye drainage channels leads to increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Vision loss is slow and often symptomless early on.
Why glaucoma develops?
Glaucoma often arises from increased intraocular pressure when fluid does not drain properly. Causes can include:
Excessive fluid production
Blocked drainage pathways
Damage from medications like corticosteroids
Poor optic nerve perfusion
Why glaucoma develops?
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
- Visual acuity and field testing
- Tonometry to measure eye pressure
- Gonioscopy to view drainage angle
- Pachymetry for corneal thickness
- OCT imaging to assess optic nerve structure
- Review of personal and family medical history
Managing & treating glaucoma
While damage is irreversible, treatment aims to preserve remaining vision by lowering eye pressure:
Medical management (first-line)
Eye drops such as prostaglandin analogues, beta-blockers, alpha-agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
Risk factors
Factors associated with increased glaucoma risk:
Age over 40
Family history of glaucoma
High myopia or hyperopia
Systemic conditions: diabetes, hypertension
Eye trauma or prior ocular surgery
Use of steroid medications
Higher rates among Asians, Africans, Hispanics
Risk factors
Frequently asked questions
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Our Specialists
Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists and licensed optometrists brings together decades of specialized training and experience. Each doctor has completed additional fellowship training in subspecialty areas, ensuring you receive the most advanced care available.
WHAT YOU SEE MATTERS
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Glaucoma is prevalent among older adults in Singapore and can be more aggressive with angleclosure or normal-tension variants. Eagle Eye Centre offers comprehensive glaucoma care—from early hands-on screening to tailored laser and surgical management, all supported by advanced diagnostics.