Glaucoma Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences What is it? Glaucoma is a disease affecting the optic nerve (likened to an “electric cable”), which connects the eyeball to the brain transmitting information that helps us to see. Glaucoma is emerging as a leading cause of blindness in Singapore.
• High degree of shortsightedness (myopia) and long-sightedness (hyperopia) • History of steroid use • History of significant trauma to the eye • Elderly Chinese females (angle closure glaucoma) • Migraine headache and peripheral vasospasm
Normal optic nerve
Optic nerve in glaucoma showing cupping and thinning (white arrow)
What are the risk factors? The risk factors associated with development of glaucoma are as follows: • High pressure within the eye ball • Ageing • Family history of glaucoma
What are the symptoms? Glaucoma can present in acute or chronic forms. In acute glaucoma, symptoms include severe eye pain, blurring of vision and seeing haloes (rings). Chronic glaucoma is however painless and causes gradual loss of vision (peripheral vision first followed by central vision). What are the treatments for Glaucoma? Glaucoma treatment aims to preserve vision and quality of life. Treatment usually focuses on lowering the pressure in the eye.