Vision conditions
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often linked to increased pressure inside the eye. The condition usually develops slowly and can cause vision loss if not detected early. Regular eye evaluations are important for early detection and lifelong eye health.
- 3%
Adults over 40
- 10%
Adults over 79
- 50%+
Undiagnosed cases
What happens when you have Glaucoma
Understanding optic nerve damage
The optic nerve transmits visual signals from the eye to the brain. In Glaucoma, fluid pressure in the eye can rise or the nerve may become more vulnerable to damage, leading to gradual loss of peripheral vision. Early stages often have no symptoms — making routine eye checks essential.
Adults over 40 — About 3%
Roughly 3% of Singaporeans aged 40 and above have glaucoma, and the risk increases with age and family history.
Undetected cases — More than half
More than 50% of people with glaucoma are unaware they have it, as vision loss can occur silently in early stages.
Spotting subtle vision changes
When to consider an eye evaluation
Common Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Gradual loss of side (peripheral) vision
- Needing more light to read
- Blurred or patchy vision
- In rare cases, sudden eye pain or blurred vision (acute glaucoma)
Most people with early glaucoma do not notice symptoms. As it progresses, signs may include:
Does this sound like you? Book an assessment today.
Ways to manage Glaucoma
Protecting the optic nerve
While damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, early diagnosis and active management can help preserve remaining vision. After detailed testing, your ophthalmologist may recommend:
Clarifying Your Concerns
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that glaucoma related information may be potentially overwhelming. Here are honest, transparent answers to the questions we hear most often from our patients.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection is key to managing it effectively.
In its early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As it progresses, you may experience peripheral vision loss or a sensation of “something blocking the central vision”. Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting glaucoma before symptoms appear.
Treatment for glaucoma focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage. This may involve prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or surgery if necessary.
Prescription eye drops are commonly used to reduce eye pressure, helping to manage glaucoma and protect the optic nerve from further damage.
Laser treatments (called Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) can help improve fluid drainage in the eye, lowering eye pressure and managing glaucoma. They are often used as first line therapy and/or when medication alone is not enough.
If glaucoma cannot be controlled with eye drops or laser treatments, surgery may be needed to reduce eye pressure. There are minimally invasive options available, depending on the severity of the condition.
Yes, Medisave can be used for certain glaucoma treatments, including surgery, subject to eligibility and the approved amount. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider to confirm the specifics.