Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses a range of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. High eye pressure is one of the major risk factors. The initial signs of glaucoma are not always noticeable, and detecting early-stage glaucoma through routine vision tests can be challenging. Once the optic nerve is damaged, it cannot be reversed. Failure to identify and control high eye pressure early on can result in complete vision loss. Therefore, regular eye exams are the most effective way to prevent glaucoma.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
Eye pain
Sudden blurred vision
Headaches
Nausea/vomiting
Narrowed vision
Types of Glaucoma
Glaucoma can be broadly categorized into chronic and acute types, with chronic glaucoma being the most common. Whether it is chronic or acute, both types can be primary or secondary and sometimes difficult to prevent. Therefore, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and diagnosis in patients and to take appropriate measures to control the condition, thus preventing or slowing down vision loss.
Chronic Glaucoma: The early stages often have no obvious symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent thief of sight." As the disease progresses, vision narrows, leaving only central vision, creating a "tunnel vision" effect. If left untreated, it can lead to complete blindness.
Acute Glaucoma: Women or farsighted individuals are at a higher risk group. Sudden increases in eye pressure can rapidly lead to permanent vision loss, requiring immediate medical attention.
Primary Glaucoma: Occurs independently without clear underlying causes or associated diseases. Patients may be affected by various factors such as genetics, age, or eye structure.
Secondary Glaucoma: High eye pressure caused by other conditions, such as iritis, mature cataracts, or diabetic eye disease.
Diagnosis of Glaucoma
1. Measurement of Eye Pressure
There are various methods to measure eye pressure, including non-contact tonometry (NCT), Goldmann applanation tonometry, and iCare home tonometers. Multiple measurements are taken to understand the patient's eye pressure. Eye pressure can fluctuate throughout the day, so doctors schedule pressure measurements at different times.
2. Optic Nerve Examination
Optic nerve photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) allow doctors to objectively evaluate the structure of the optic nerve and nerve fibres to assess the condition of the eyes. The optic nerve consists of around 1.2 million fibres, and OCT scans use red and yellow to indicate areas where the optic nerve has degenerated or thinned.
3. Visual Field Test
During this test, the instrument emits sounds and random light spots, and patients are required to press a button when they see the light spot. The test for one eye takes about 5 minutes, and the instrument analyzes the patient's visual field range and individual area sensitivities to help the doctor assess the severity.
4. Angle Drainage Examination
Use a gonioscopy lens to observe the eye's drainage system, according to the anterior chamber grading, glaucoma can be classified into open-angle, closed-angle, aiding doctors in tailoring treatment.
5. Corneal Thickness Examination
Corneal thickness is related to eye pressure measurement. If a patient has thin corneas, the target eye pressure may need to be further reduced during treatment to slow down the progression.
Treatment Options for Glaucoma
Medication Treatment
Most patients only need 1-2 types of eye drops, to be used 1-2 times a day; more severe cases may require 3-4 types of eye drops, to be used 2-3 times a day. The effectiveness of eye drops can be influenced by patient compliance.
- Convenient and easy to use
- Multiple medication choices / preservative-free options are available
- Requires consistent use
- Effectiveness influenced by patient compliance
- Side effects vary depending on the type of medication
MicroPulse Laser Trabeculoplasty (MLT)
MLT uses a low-energy laser to stimulate the eye's drainage system, reducing eye pressure. SLT has been a popular outpatient treatment method in recent years, with rare side effects and no incisions on the eye. Patients can undergo SLT repeatedly as needed.
- Quick and painless
- Suitable for open-angle glaucoma
- High success rate
- Contraindications exist, such as uveitic glaucoma
Trabeculectomy
This minimally invasive surgery involves implanting extremely fine instruments into the eye to drain aqueous humour and reduce eye pressure. The surgery is relatively simple with shorter recovery times, generally suitable for early to moderate-stage patients. Furthermore, glaucoma drainage surgery has stronger and longer-lasting pressure-lowering effects, suitable for more severe cases and can be combined with cataract surgery.
- Sustained reduction in eye pressure
- Reduced need for medication
- Recovery time varies based on individual condition
Service Features
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FAQ
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Can Glaucoma Be Cured Completely?Currently, glaucoma cannot be completely cured. However, proper treatment and regular monitoring can effectively control the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of vision loss. Most patients can maintain normal vision and quality of life, but the rate of progression varies among different types of glaucoma, so treatment plans are adjusted accordingly.
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Does high eye pressure mean that one has glaucoma?High eye pressure is just one indicator of glaucoma; in fact, about 40% of glaucoma patients do not have significantly high eye pressure (less than 21mmHg).
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Can Young People Develop Glaucoma?Glaucoma is typically considered an eye disease of the elderly, but young people can also develop glaucoma, particularly those with a family history of glaucoma and severe nearsightedness. While the percentage of young people with glaucoma is relatively low, controlling the condition is crucial for them due to their longer life expectancy and typically lower treatment adherence. Therefore, simpler treatment methods or laser therapy may be more suitable for them.
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Can Glaucoma Patients Get Eye Drops from a Pharmacy Without Seeing a Doctor?It is not recommended. When treatment is incorrect or patients do not follow their doctor's advice, the condition can worsen without the patient even realizing it, even if their eye pressure is increasing. Therefore, regular eye pressure measurements and follow-up examinations, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field tests, are the most effective ways to control the condition.
