Glaucoma Symptoms, Screening, And Treatment In Singapore

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye. It is among the leading causes of blindness in the world. In Singapore, glaucoma presents a significant public health concern due to its potential to cause irreversible vision loss. In this article, we discuss the symptoms, screening processes, treatment options, and costs associated with glaucoma in Singapore.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. If not treated, glaucoma can lead to permanent blindness. There are several types of glaucoma, including open-angle glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and normal-tension glaucoma, each with different causes and characteristics.

Glaucoma Statistics In Singapore

According to the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC), glaucoma accounts for 40% of blindness in Singapore. It also affects around 3% of individuals aged 50 and above, with this prevalence rising significantly with age, approaching nearly 10% among those aged 70 and above.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Glaucoma?

The symptoms of glaucoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the disease. In its early stages, glaucoma often presents no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following signs may become noticeable:

Open-Angle Glaucoma

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision, usually in both eyes
• Tunnel vision in the advanced stages

Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Severe eye pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sudden onset of visual disturbance, often in low light
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights
• Reddening of the eye

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

• Progressive loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages

Where And How To Be Screened In Singapore?

In Singapore, several public and private healthcare facilities offer glaucoma screening services. Screening typically involves a comprehensive eye examination, including tests like:

• Tonometry – Measures the pressure inside the eye.
• Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the shape and colour of the optic nerve.
• Perimetry (Visual Field Test) – Checks for any gaps in peripheral vision.
• Gonioscopy – Inspects the angle where the iris meets the cornea.
• Pachymetry – Measures the thickness of the cornea.

What Are The Options For Glaucoma Treatment In Singapore?

• Medications – Eye drops or oral medications to reduce intraocular pressure.
• Laser Therapy – Procedures like laser trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma and laser iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma.
• Surgery – Options include trabeculectomy, drainage implants, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) to improve fluid drainage from the eye.

Treatment plans are customised based on the type and severity of glaucoma, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences.

Doctor You Can Consider

Our Preferred Ophthalmologist In Singapore​

Dr David Goh is the Medical Director And Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at NOVENA Bladeless Cataract Surgery & Eye Specialist Centre and a cataract surgeon in Singapore. He specialises in complex Cataracts and simple and complex Glaucoma. His services include Precise Computer-Guided and 100% Bladeless Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma treatment and surgeries (including Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, MIGS) Screening Treatments for Diabetic Eye Diseases & Age-Related Macular Degeneration, LASIK and implantable contact lens (ICL), Laser Treatment of visually disturbing Floaters and Acute Eye Emergencies.

Glaucoma treatment from Dr David Goh:

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What Is The Cost Of Glaucoma Treatment In Singapore?

The cost of glaucoma treatment in Singapore varies widely depending on the type of treatment and the facility. On an average, 

• Eye Drops And Medication (Public Healthcare Institutions) – S$20 to S$30 a month after subsidies. 

• Laser Treatments – S$1,200 to S$1,600 per session.
• Surgical Procedures – S$5,000 to S$10,000.

It is essential to discuss the costs with the healthcare provider and check with insurance providers for coverage details.

Medisave And Insurance For Cataract Surgery In Singapore

Glaucoma treatment in Singapore can be Medisave claimable. It is advisable to check with your healthcare provider for the exact claimable amount and insurance company for the coverage. Ensure that all necessary documentation is in place for the claims.

Check with CPF on the latest MediSave policies.

Additional Resources

1. Glaucoma | Singapore National Eye Centre. Available from: https://www.snec.com.sg/patient-care/specialties-and-services/clinical-subspecialties/glaucoma-what-we-do
2. Glaucoma – Symptoms & Treatment | SingHealth | Singapore General Hospital. Available from: https://www.sgh.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/glaucoma
3. Glaucoma – Singapore | National University Hospital. Available from: https://www.nuh.com.sg/Health-Information/Diseases-Conditions/Pages/Glaucoma.aspx
4. Glaucoma | Singapore National Eye Centre. Available from: https://www.snec.com.sg/patient-care/conditionstreatments/eye-conditions-brochures/Documents/EN_Glaucoma.pdf
5. Glaucoma – Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839

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