Glaucoma

FAQs

• What are the common causes and risk factors of glaucoma?

  Glaucoma is mainly caused by increased intraocular pressure that results from impaired drainage of eye fluid. Risk factors include family history, refractive errors, ageing, diabetes, eye injuries, and long-term steroid use.

• Is it possible to prevent glaucoma?

  Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but risk can be reduced and vision loss minimised by controlling eye pressure. Key measures to prevent it include regular eye examinations, controlling diabetes and hypertension, following a healthy diet, and avoiding eye injuries.

• What are the warning signs of glaucoma?

  Glaucoma in the early stage has no warning signs. With disease progression, gradual peripheral vision loss may occur. Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, halos around lights, headache, nausea, and vomiting are associated with acute angle-closure glaucoma, requiring medical attention.

• What are the treatment options for glaucoma?

  Glaucoma treatment focuses on reducing eye pressure using medicated eye drops, oral medicines, laser therapy, or surgery. Treatment plans are individualised based on the type, severity, and response to therapy.

• Does increased eye pressure always indicate glaucoma?

  Glaucoma is not always indicated by increased eye pressure. Some people have ocular hypertension, where pressure is high but there is no optic nerve damage. However, increased eye pressure is a major risk factor that requires regular monitoring to prevent its development.