For glaucoma, timely treatment is always crucial because it can often progress without symptoms. In fact, you may not even notice that you have a major problem until significant vision loss occurs.
By the time symptoms appear, irreversible damage may have already happened. Early detection and treatment can prevent or slow down the progression of the disease. Learn more about treatment and other basics on this page: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/glaucoma-vs-cataracts-whats-the-difference/.
We created this article for you if you’re worried about glaucoma in Singapore. In this article, you will learn about what may put you at risk of glaucoma and most importantly, what causes glaucoma. Keep reading;
Who is Most at Risk for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a devastating disease of the eye. So, if you’re just learning about it, it is natural to wonder; who is most at risk of glaucoma?
The answer is that anybody can get glaucoma. However, there are specific groups that face higher risks of developing glaucoma. These groups include persons over 60, those with a family history, and those who are struggling with diabetes.
If you fall into any of those high-risk categories, your best bet against glaucoma in Singapore is a comprehensive dilated eye exam as it allows you to catch and manage glaucoma early. For example, if you’re diagnosed with early-stage glaucoma, you may only be prescribed eye drops to stop it from progressing.
Also, your provider will guide you on the ideal frequency for your follow-up exams. But you do not have to be in a high-risk group to prioritize dilated eye exams. It would be best to begin your exams at about age 40 to catch not just glaucoma but also other eye diseases early when it is still easy to manage them.
What is Glaucoma caused by?
Being diagnosed with or confirmed to be at risk of developing glaucoma can be terrifying. And that quite explains best why so many people frequently ask; what is glaucoma caused by?
Well, there are so many factors that may lead to the development of glaucoma. And even though increased eye pressure is the only glaucoma risk factor that is modifiable, it isn’t even the cause as the condition can still develop even with normal eye pressure.
To get to really understand what may lead to glaucoma, you may want to know about the different types of glaucoma and what causes them. See the most common types of glaucoma below;
- Open-angle glaucoma: This is the most common form of glaucoma. Often called “the sneak thief of sight” open-angle glaucoma progresses slowly and can go unnoticed for years. It is caused by damage to the filter in the eye’s drainage canals. This damage may lead to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
- Angle-closure glaucoma: This type of glaucoma occurs when the iris bows forward. This bowing forward may narrow or close the angle between the iris and cornea, where the filter is located. This sudden blockage of the eye’s drainage canals can lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure and severe symptoms like eye pain, headaches, and blurred vision.
- Neovascular glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is associated with poorly controlled diabetes and other conditions that damage blood vessels. It occurs when abnormal blood vessel growth blocks the eye’s drainage canals, a process which may lead to increased eye pressure and damage to the optic nerve.
- Congenital glaucoma: This is a rare form of glaucoma but still worth mentioning. It occurs in infants and young children and is present at birth. Congenital glaucoma is often caused by incorrect or underdeveloped drainage canals in the eye during the prenatal period. This underdevelopment of the drainage canals is what may lead to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
- Low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma: In this type of glaucoma, damage to the optic nerve occurs without the eye pressure exceeding its normal range. The exact cause of low-tension glaucoma is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
- Uveitic (inflammatory) glaucoma: This type of glaucoma is caused by autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that affect the eye, such as uveitis. Inflammation can damage the eye’s drainage system and lead to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage.
What are 2 Signs of Glaucoma?
Among the many patients who visit our clinic for the management or assessment of glaucoma in Singapore, a major concern is how it feels to have glaucoma. In this regard, two very frequently asked questions are; what are two signs of glaucoma and what are the first signs that glaucoma is developing? Here’s what you need to know if you have similar concerns;
The signs of glaucoma tend to vary considerably depending on the stage of the condition and the type of glaucoma you’re dealing with. But when the symptoms do appear, the two signs you’re most likely to experience are halos around light and blurred vision.
The other signs that may suggest that glaucoma is developing include;
- Increased Intraocular Pressure (IOP): Elevated pressure within the eye is a primary indicator of glaucoma. Regular eye exams can measure this pressure.
- Optic Nerve Damage: The optic nerve may show signs of damage. These signs can range from cupping to thinning, which can be detected during an eye examination.
- Vision Changes: Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or reduced peripheral vision can occur early in glaucoma. Regular eye exams can help detect these changes too.
- Eye Redness: Persistent redness in the eye, particularly when not related to allergies or other known causes, could be a sign of glaucoma.
- Patchy Blind Spots: Glaucoma can cause blind spots in your field of vision, which may appear as patchy areas where you cannot see clearly.
Closing Thoughts
Several factors may lead to the development of glaucoma depending on the type of glaucoma you’re dealing with. If you’re worried about glaucoma in Singapore, please see an experienced ophthalmologist for thorough assessment and treatment advice. To schedule an appointment today, please engage Dr. Chelvin of SNG Eye Center now. See details below;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 Irrawaddy Road Mt Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre,
#06-25,
Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
