Comprehensive Glaucoma Services in Singapore – Diagnosis, Treatment and Surgery
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can lead to vision loss and blindness due to damage to the optic nerve. Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma progresses gradually, with many patients unaware of their condition until significant vision impairment occurs. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in preventing irreversible vision loss.
Why Is It Important To Diagnose And Treat Glaucoma Early?
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. The number of people with this condition in Asia is estimated to increase from 59 million in 2020 to 80 million in 2040.
In Singapore, 3% of people over the age of 50, and 10% of those over the age of 70 have Glaucoma.
While Glaucoma is not curable, blindness is preventable if checked, diagnosed and treated early. There are usually no warning signs; Glaucoma is usually detected from doing regular eye tests with your Eye Specialists.
Glaucoma Symptoms: How to Spot the Warning Signs
As the disease can develop slowly, you may not be aware of the gradual loss of sight until very late in the disease when there is tunnel vision.
Symptoms of primary open-angle glaucoma or chronic angle closure glaucoma include:
- Patchy blind spots/gradual loss in your side vision (peripheral vision), frequently in both eyes.
- Tunnel vision (advanced stages)
Symptoms of acute angle-closure glaucoma include:
- Severe headache and eye pain
- Nausea and vomiting (accompanying the severe eye pain)
- Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Eye redness
When to See an Eye Specialist?
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma, schedule an eye exam immediately. Early intervention can prevent vision loss.
Risk Factors Of Glaucoma
Risk factors of glaucoma include:
- Age. Your risk increases when you are over 60 years old.
- Chronic diseases. You are at increased risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or heart diseases.
- Ethnicity. Asians are more susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma than Caucasians.
- History of traumatic eye injuries or certain types of eye surgeries.
- Family history
- Use of corticosteroids (whether as eye medications or oral form)
- Refractive error (short-sightedness or myopia is a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma and far-sightedness or hyperopia for closed angle glaucoma)
Types Of Glaucoma
Chronic Glaucoma: results from gradually increasing eye pressure which slowly causes irreversible damage to the eye. This condition usually shows no early symptoms and thus often goes undetected without regular eye checks. Left untreated, chronic glaucoma can cause partial or total vision loss.
There are two main types of chronic primary glaucoma:
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
- Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG)
Acute glaucoma is regarded as a medical emergency because optic nerve damage and consequent loss of vision can occur extremely rapidly (within hours or days). Look out for symptoms such as one-sided headache, nausea and vomiting, haloes, eye pain, and blurring of vision. If you are experiencing such symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. If such a situation occurs after usual clinic hours, we recommend going to A&E – do not wait until the next day.
Normal Tension Glaucoma: also known as low tension or normal pressure glaucoma, is a form of open angle glaucoma in which damage occurs to the optic nerve without eye pressure exceeding the normal range. In general, a “normal” pressure range is between 10 to 21 mm Hg. Currently, this condition is still not fully understood. However, evidence has shown that lowering intraocular pressure can help to slow its progression.
Secondary Glaucoma: refers to any form of glaucoma in which there is an identifiable cause of increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss. As with primary glaucoma, secondary glaucoma can be open-angled or closed-angled and it can occur in one or both eyes. It may be caused by previous eye injury, inflammation (which can be related to autoimmune diseases), certain drugs such as steroids, diabetes mellitus and hyper-mature cataracts.
Childhood Glaucoma: is a rare condition that can start developing in infancy, childhood, or adolescence. It may cause enlargement of the infant’s eyes, corneal haze, tearing and unusual light sensitivity.
What Are The Treatment Options For Glaucoma?
Glaucoma cannot be cured, but in most cases it can be successfully controlled. Treatment will depend on the type of glaucoma you are diagnosed with.
Glaucoma treatments include:
- Eye drops and oral medications
- Laser procedures
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
- Filtering surgery with or without drainage implants.
Currently, the mainstay of glaucoma treatment is to lower intraocular pressure so as to reduce disease progression. Treatment is life-long, and can be achieved with topical medications, laser or surgery.
Glaucoma Surgery Options: When Is Surgery Necessary?
For patients with moderate to severe glaucoma, surgery may be recommended to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent further vision loss.
Who Needs Surgery?
- Patients whose eye pressure remains high despite medication
- Those experiencing progressive vision loss
- Individuals at risk of complete optic nerve damage
Glaucoma Screening & Testing
Glaucoma Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve)
- Optic Disc Photography
- Doctor’s Report
*Does not include consultation with Doctor.
Cataract/Glaucoma/Age-Related Macular Degeneration Screening
- Visual Acuity/Auto-Refraction
- Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry)
- Corneal Thickness Measurement
- Optic Nerve & Macular Scan/Optical Coherence Tomography (Nerve & Macular)
- Optic Nerve & Retinal Photography
- Doctor’s Consult
Why Choose Asia Pacific Eye Centre for Glaucoma Treatment?
At Asia Pacific Eye Centre, we specialise in comprehensive glaucoma diagnosis, treatment, and surgery with experienced specialists.
Why Patients Trust Us:
- Personalised Treatment Plans: Every patient receives a customised care plan.
- Experienced Glaucoma Doctors in Singapore: Our team has years of expertise in managing glaucoma.
- Minimally Invasive and Surgical Solutions: We offer both medical and surgical treatments.
- Patient-Centred Approach: Your vision and comfort are our top priorities.
Meet Our Glaucoma Specialist in Singapore
Dr. Tan Yar Li
MBBS (Singapore), M.Med (Ophth)
MRCSEd (Ophth), FAMS (Ophth)
Senior Consultant | Eye Surgeon
Sub-specialties: Glaucoma, Cataract, Refractive Surgery (LASIK)
Languages: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew
Fellowship Trained Specialist
Former Consultant at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Former Deputy Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Changi General Hospital
- Dr Tan Yar Li was awarded 3 gold medals for Best Candidate in Glaucoma,
- Vitreoretinal as well as Neuro-ophthalmology in the Eye Specialists’ Exit exam
- Dr Tan was one of the first few surgeons in Singapore to perform
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Glaucoma treatment depends on the severity and type of glaucoma. Options include medicated eye drops, laser therapy, minimally invasive surgery, and traditional glaucoma surgery.
Surgery is necessary when medication and laser treatments are not effective in controlling eye pressure and preventing vision loss. Our specialists will determine the best approach for you.
The cost varies depending on the type of surgery and clinic. Contact us for a detailed consultation and estimated costs.
Many insurance plans and MediSave cover glaucoma treatments and surgeries. Speak to our team for assistance with insurance claims.
Book an Appointment with Our Glaucoma Specialist Today
Glaucoma can be effectively managed with early detection and proper treatment. Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your vision today. Schedule a consultation with our experts now!
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