5 Myths on Glaucoma by Your Singapore Eye Surgeon - Steve Seah

Glaucoma is a progressive disease characterized by fluid build-up in the eye, resulting in excessive pressure in the eye and damaging the optic nerve. Left untreated, it can lead to vision impairment or even complete vision loss. Though the condition is common, particularly as a leading cause of blindness in the elderly, there are still many myths surrounding its cause and treatment.

Here are the most common myths about glaucoma:

Myth #1: Glaucoma affects only the elderly.

Fact: Though the risk of developing the disease is higher in those who are 60 years old and above, the reality is that it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender and ethnicity. In fact, one in 10,000 babies are born with glaucoma, while some people, both young and old, can acquire eye conditions leading to secondary glaucoma.

Myth #2: Glaucoma is curable.

Fact: There is no known cure for glaucoma and no way of restoring lost vision. However, there are medications and treatment options available that can help slow the disease, preserve vision and improve quality of life.

Myth #3: Glaucoma has early warning signs and obvious symptoms.

Fact: Glaucoma is known as the “silent thief of sight” because it can go undetected until it is in its advanced stages, when the damage done is already extensive. Having 20/20 vision is not a guarantee that you are not at risk of developing the eye condition. The only way to be safe is to have the optic nerve checked by an ophthalmologist. 

Myth #4: Glaucoma is strictly genetic.

Fact: Family history only increases the risk of developing glaucoma. It doesn’t mean that you will automatically contract the eye condition if you have a relative who has/had it. There are also cases where the patient is the only one in his or her family who has glaucoma.

Myth #5: Glaucoma is only caused by elevated eye pressure.

Fact: An increase in eye pressure, known as ocular hypertension, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have glaucoma. On the contrary, there are people who have normal-level eye pressure, and yet have severe glaucoma. The eye condition can also develop from poor blood flow and injury to the optic nerve.

Steve Seah Eye Centre offers a comprehensive list of services for eye screening, and accurate diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy and other corneal conditions. To book an appointment at your Singapore Eye Clinic, call (65) 6565 6888.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma by Steve Seah your Singapore Eye Specialist

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition caused by a pressure build-up in the eyeball that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting images to the brain. Left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. As with most illnesses, the earlier glaucoma is detected, the more likely it is to prevent further damage and permanent blindness. Note, however, that though treatments can halt the progression of vision loss, they cannot restore the vision that has already been lost.

Depending on the type or stage of glaucoma, there are various treatments available, ranging from medicinal eyedrops to surgery. You should consult your senior consultant ophthalmologist on the best option for your condition.

Medicinal Eyedrops

The main and most recommended treatment of glaucoma, eyedrops help control intraocular pressure (IOP) by reducing fluid production in the eyes, and improving its outward flow. Your doctor should prescribe the right brand and dosage depending on the type of glaucoma you have and your overall health (e.g. any underlying illnesses). Make sure to use the eyedrops as directed by your physician. These are usually applied for life. Common side effects include eye irritation, upper lid elevation, bloodshot eyes and dilated pupils.

Laser Surgery

Laser surgery provides a quick and non-invasive way to treat glaucoma. It is conducted in an outpatient setting and usually lasts 15 to 20 minutes. It also has many types, depending on the type of glaucoma.

For those with open-angle glaucoma, a trabeculoplasty is performed, where laser is used to correct the drainage angle, allowing fluid to flow out properly and lessening the build-up of pressure.

For those with angle-closure glaucoma, an iridotomy is performed, in which a hole is made in the iris with a laser, leading fluid to the drainage angle.

Transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TCP) is performed for more advanced-stage glaucoma, and that involves destroying the ciliary body to reduce fluid production.

Incisional Surgery

Should medicinal eyedrops and laser surgery prove insufficient to control glaucoma, conventional or incisional surgery is another option. In most cases, trabeculectomy or sclerostomy is performed, in which a tiny drainage hole is made in the white part of the eye (sclera) to help fluid flow out and reduce eye pressure. Typically, the recovery time is two to four weeks.

Implant Surgeries

Another surgical alternative comes in the form of glaucoma drainage devices called aqueous shunts or implants. Composed of a silicone tube, the flexible device is surgically implanted in the eye, allowing the fluid to drain into an external collecting plate, relieving pressure that could damage the optic nerve.

Dr Steve Seah is a senior consultant ophthalmologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataract and refractive errors. To make an appointment with Dr Seah, call (65) 6565 6888 or send us a message at steveseaheyecentre@gmail.com today. 

Dr Steve Seah - Singapore Eye Specialist - Talks About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a serious, degenerative eye condition that is largely hereditary and can be treated in order to control disease progression; but has no cure. Glaucoma is often hard to detect as symptoms are not obvious in its early stages. The most striking part of glaucoma is that it can lead to irreversible vision loss and even blindness, if left untreated. Ample knowledge about glaucoma can help you understand the condition better and find out how to prevent its progression while in its early stages.  

Here Are the Things You Need to Know About Glaucoma:

Glaucoma is a slow disease. Glaucoma usually deteriorates progressively over the years when excessive eye pressure builds up, leading to damage in the optic nerves. In untreated cases, it can take an average of 15 years before glaucoma leads to serious vision loss, starting from the periphery.

Glaucoma is most common with older people. The age where glaucoma is best detected is 35, especially for those with a family history of the disease. Meanwhile, people over 60 years old naturally have a much higher risk of getting glaucoma. To be safe, make a visit to an ophthalmologist for a detailed eye screening every one or two years.

Glaucoma is largely hereditary. If your parents, sibling or relative has a history of glaucoma, it is very likely that you will develop it too. In this case, the safest thing to do is to consult your eye doctor and get an eye assessment and early intervention.

Glaucoma eye drops can greatly slow the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma eye drops are usually the primary form of medication to help patients control the pressure in their eyes over a long period of time. The eye drops work by either reducing the intraocular pressure in the eye, reducing fluid production in the eye, or helping the eye’s fluid drain better.

Glaucoma can be diagnosed through tests conducted by your eye doctor. Tonometry and ophthalmoscopy are some of the tests conducted to diagnose glaucoma. A tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye, and an ophthalmoscopy checks for damage in the optic nerve. Your eye doctor may also conduct a vision test to check your peripheral vision, which tends to be affected first in glaucoma.

What Can You Do to Lessen the Risk of Glaucoma?

Although glaucoma is not curable, early detection and treatment can greatly manage its progression and reduce the damage done to your vision.

● Consult your Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist - Consulting your ophthalmologist for an eye check-up can allow the doctor to diagnose and treat your glaucoma while in its early stages, thereby slowing disease progression and preventing further damage.

● Wear Sunglasses - Having glaucoma can make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. Sunglasses that blocks UV rays and come with wraparounds (that curve around the sides of your eyes) are the most effective in giving you relief from glare, and in protecting your eyes.

Other types of sunglasses that can relieve discomfort for glaucoma patients include: polarized glasses, mirror-coated glasses, and photochromic glasses.

·   Polarized glasses cut the reflected glare of light

·  Mirror-coated glasses have reflective coatings that appears like small mirrors. This lowers the amount of entering the eyes

· Photochromic glasses darken immediately when exposed to sunlight and lighten when indoors,convenient option of protective eye-wear

●      Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods - Eating nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables with higher vitamin A and C can help reduce the risks of glaucoma. Some of these include kale, spinach, celery, carrots, peaches, and beets. In addition, pomegranate, acai berries, and cranberries (which are rich in antioxidants) can aid in preventing oxidative stress, commonly associated with the damage of the optic nerve.

●    Regular Exercise - Regular moderate exercise can lower eye pressure and improve blood flow in the eyes. However, the benefits of exercise for glaucoma patients can only be achieved if done consistently. Do note that some rigorous exercises that require inversion of the body like upside-down yoga, pole dancing and scuba diving are not advisable for glaucoma patients.

●   Eat Omega-3 Rich Foods - Eating omega-3 rich foods such as tunas and salmons can help reduce dryness in the eyes. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids combined with Vitamins B and E can also help in improving visual fields and retinal sensitivity.

Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Steve Seah, was the former Head and Senior Consultant of the Glaucoma Service at the Singapore National Eye Centre, giving him in-depth experience in the care and treatment for glaucoma patients, which he now specializes in in his practice.

Dr Seah is also proficient in providing quality ophthalmologic services for patients with cataracts, retinal diseases and diabetic retinopathy. If you have any questions or would like to request for additional information about Glaucoma, you may visit our website or call us at 6565 6888 today.

Things to Do When Selecting an Eye Doctor

Getting old is inevitable, and sooner or later we will be needing to go to the eye doctor for some consolation because there will come a point in our lives where we will experience some discomfort in our eyes.  Our eyes are one of the most soft and delicate part of our body, we must take care of it since it plays big role in accomplishing important activities in our lives.

Visiting the eye doctor is easy, but finding a trustworthy and respectable one, well that is hard. Here are some of the things you can do before choosing an eye doctor:

Ask for References

Remember the time when you bought something online and you checked the reviews first before you purchased the item? Well, that works well with doctors too. The internet is vast and immense and it can tell you a lot of things if you just choose the right keywords when searching. Look for some reviews in the internet, or ask your friends or relatives if they can recommend a trusted eye doctor in Singapore. You can also think of everyone you know who wears glasses, they all have eye doctors.

Find a Pleasant Clinic

A pleasant office will build long-lasting relationships to patients. These offices have qualities like sincerity and genuineness.

They take their time to know their patients very well, like the details about their vision requirements and lifestyle, the right prescription for their eyeglasses or contact lenses. A good office will encourage their patients to have regular eye exams even though they do not wear eyeglasses or contacts, and even if their vision is sharp.

Most patients want a clinic that can help them with everything about their eye care needs. Choose a doctor you are comfortable with and that you can confide in, because eye health has a big impact in the quality of life.

Look for an Eye Doctor that is Punctual

If your doctor shows up on time, it means that he is dependable. Being punctual shows that your doctor respects you and your time. There are doctors that will try to work in emergency visits during the day, that is why they tend to leave gaps in their schedules in case they have emergency visits in a day. These are the good doctors, who think ahead of time for their patients.

Your eyes serve as a window to your overall health. It is a vital part of your everyday life, that is why your choice of a good eye doctor is not one that should be taken lightly.

Dr Steve Seah is a senior consultant ophthalmologist, He has a vast clinical experience in the treatment of glaucoma. He is recognized for his work in LASIK and received training by world-renowned presbyopia LASIK expert and he was also selected as the head and senior consultant of Glaucoma Service in Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) as well as head of Glaucoma Research Unit in Singapore Eye Research Institute. If you have any questions or would like to request for additional information concerning our Singapore Eye Surgeon, then click on our website http://www.steveseaheyecentre.com.

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?

• Visual Acuity Test

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.

• Dilated Eye Exam

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.

• Visual Field Test

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.

• Pachymetry

Tests the thickness of the cornea. A pachymeter is placed gently on the front of the eye to measure its thickness.

• Tonometry 

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?

• Surgery

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.

• Medicines

• 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.