Understanding Glaucoma by Dr. Steve Seah
What is Glaucoma?Glaucoma is an eye disease where the high fluid pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve’s delicate fibres. These fibres serve to carry the visual impulses from the eyes to the brain and if left untreated can lead to vision loss. Some cases of blindness in Singapore accounts for glaucoma. What are the types of Glaucoma?
- Open-angle glaucoma or wide-angle glaucoma
This type of glaucoma occurs when the trabercular meshwork (drainage canal of the eye) is not anatomically blocked. The drainage sites are wide open but the drainage canal is clogged by very tiny collections of material causing for less fluid to leave the eye.When the eye continues to make fluid in the ciliary body, the pressure increases and overtime leads to optic nerve damage. Because of the fact that it is painless, a significant damage may have already started without the patient even noticing it. Open angle glaucoma is often treated using eye drops so that the pressure is lowered down. An eye doctor may also suggest for an advanced method so that the intraocular pressure can be lowered down.
- Angle-closure glaucoma or acute or chronic angle-closure or narrow-angle glaucoma
This type of glaucoma is rare. The drainage canal of the eye reduces the outflow of fluid because it is very narrow or completely occluded. This eye condition can be experienced by farsighted patients. This eye condition leads to a sudden increase in the eye pressure. Accurate angle-closure glaucoma requires immediate medical attention.What are the risk factors in developing Glaucoma?
- Age - For people 50 years old and above, there is an increased risk of developing this eye condition.
- Family History - Glaucoma especially open angle glaucoma runs in families.
- Medical History - Diabetes – one is at risk of developing a certain type of glaucoma if they have a high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Medicines - This is especially for long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
What are its Signs and Symptoms?
- Narrowing of vision (tunnel vision)
Eye that looks hazyPain in the eyeRedness in the eyeHalosVision LossHow to diagnose Glaucoma?
This is done by testing the vision of the patient using different lenses so the eye doctor can tell if the vision can be improved using contact lenses or regular glasses. The procedure is simple, the patient is asked to look straight ahead using the standard eye testing chart.
This can also be called as the optic disc photography test to check the shape and color of the optic nerve. First, the pupil is dilated with the use of eye drops. Then, the optic nerve is magnified for examination.
This examination tests the complete field of vision. The patient is asked to look straight ahead to determine if she is unable to see the light and at what certain point of his or her periphery vision. The eye doctor tests the patient’s field of vision as a whole.
Tests the thickness of the cornea. A pachymeter is placed gently on the front of the eye to measure its thickness.
Tests the fluid pressure of the eyes. The eye will be placed under local anaesthesia so that the examiner can use thetonometer to measure the pressure of the eye by applying pressure through a puff of warm air.What are the treatments for Glaucoma?
Surgical procedures can be suggested by the ophthalmologist once the desired results are not achieved using medications. An example of this is a laser surgery usually performed for open-angle glaucoma. The procedure is usually painless and changes the drainage system of the eye.
- Eye Drops - With the use of eye drops, pressure in the eye can be significantly reduced. The eye drops contain beta-blockers or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that reduces the fluid production in the eye, thus reduces pressure accumulation as well.
- Pills – Usually prescribed in paired to eye drops. The purpose of which is to also lessen the fluid production in the eyes. Pills can be potentially dangerous that is why the eye doctor needs to properly guide the patient for medications.
Steve Seah Eye Centre is a dedicated ophthalmic centre that is equipped with advanced equipment providing clients the access to quality and personalized eye care. It continues to adhere to the highest standard of quality healthcare and commitment to patients. Some of the specialized services includes eye screening, corneal conditions, contact lens related conditions, retinal disease, etc.Dr Steve Seah’s clinic is conveniently located in One Orchard Boulevard #16-01/02 Camden Medical Centre Singapore 248649. To know more about Glaucoma, you may visit http://singaporeglaucoma.com.sg/ or see Dr Steve Seah’s profile at http://www.steveseaheyecentre.com/en/index.html.
