Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness for individuals over 60. But blindness from glaucoma can often be prevented with early detection and appropriate treatment. Like diabetes, it can develop very silently and progress slowly — stealing sight gradually. Fortunately, timely intervention can help preserve vision.
Screening for glaucoma is one of the most valuable things you can do for your long-term vision. On examination it is possible to tell not only whether an eye has glaucoma, but also which type — and that distinction guides the entire course of treatment.
Because glaucoma damages sight from the periphery inward and stays silent until late, the goal is always the same: find it early, and protect the vision you still have.
Glaucoma — your questions answered
Can an optician or glasses outlet tell me if I have glaucoma?
No. An optician’s examination gives information only about vision. Because central vision remains unaffected until the very end stage of glaucoma, a complete eye examination — not just a visual test — is essential. You need to see an eye surgeon (ophthalmologist) to confirm or rule out glaucoma.
Who needs an eye check-up for glaucoma?
- All individuals over 40 years of age.
- Individuals with a strong family history of glaucoma should be examined even earlier.
- Consult an eye surgeon to learn whether you are at risk of developing glaucoma.
What are the different types of glaucoma?
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Normal-tension glaucoma
- Angle-closure glaucoma (also called closed-angle or narrow-angle glaucoma)
- Congenital glaucoma
- Secondary glaucoma
- Glaucoma suspect
What is open-angle glaucoma?
It is caused by a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), which damages the optic nerve. Typically there are no symptoms in the early stages and vision remains normal; if untreated, the optic nerve becomes progressively damaged, causing irreversible vision loss.
Eye pressure rises and falls through the day, so multiple readings — together with examination of the optic nerve — are needed for diagnosis. The good news: caught early, medical treatment can prevent further vision loss.
What is normal-tension glaucoma?
In some eyes the pressure stays consistently below 21 mmHg, yet optic-nerve damage and vision loss still occur. A screening test followed by a complete check-up can tell if treatment is needed. It is usually managed in the same way as open-angle glaucoma.
What is angle-closure glaucoma?
This happens when the front of the eye is very narrow and the iris blocks the drainage angle. When the angle is completely blocked, eye pressure rises very quickly — vision suddenly becomes blurry with severe eye pain, headache, coloured haloes and vomiting. This acute attack is a true emergency; call for help immediately. People of Asian descent and those with hyperopia (farsightedness) are more at risk.
Is there any treatment for glaucoma?
- Glaucoma cannot be cured, but it can be kept under control with eye drops and medication.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma can be prevented by treating the narrow angle with a simple laser procedure called YAG iridotomy.
Related care
All services
Laser Procedure Quick, in-office laser treatment for two conditions — clouding after cataract surgery (PCO) and the prevention of a painful angle-closure glaucoma attack. 
Contact Lens A safe, effective alternative to glasses — when fitted well and cared for properly. We help you choose the right lens and use it without harming your eyes.