The Silent Thief of Sight
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight”- because it can slowly damage your vision without obvious warning signs. It’s an eye disease that occurs when pressure inside the eyeball (called intraocular pressure) builds up due to a blockage or reduced drainage of fluid within the eye.
This excess pressure damages the optic nerve- the vital cable that connects your eye to your brain- and over time, can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
Why Glaucoma Deserves Your Attention
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. While it commonly affects people over 40, it can occur at any age. The good news? With regular eye checks and early treatment, most people can preserve their vision and live normal, active lives.
Types of Glaucoma
1. Chronic Open- Angle Glaucoma (Most Common Type)
- Develops slowly and painlessly
- The drainage channels in the eye become less effective over time.
- Vision loss occurs gradually, often unnoticed until it’s advanced
- Treated with medicated eye drops or tablets to reduce eye pressure.
2. Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Eye Emergency)
- It happens suddenly when the drainage canal becomes completely blocked.
- Symptoms may include severe eye pain, redness, blurred vision, seeing halos around lights, nausea, and vomiting.
- This is a medical emergency- seek treatment immediately to prevent blindness.
Secondary Glaucoma
- Results from another eye condition, such as injury, inflammation, or medication side effects.
Who’s at Risk?
You may be at higher risk of glaucoma if you:
- Are over 35 years old
- Have family members with glaucoma
- Have diabetes, migraines, or are short-sighted
- Use steroids for long periods
- Have had eye injuries
Symptoms to Watch out For
Most people don’t notice glaucoma early on. However, you should see an eye specialist if you:
- Need frequent changes in your glasses
- Find it hard to see in dim light
- Notice blurred or tunnel vision
- See coloured rings around lights
- Experience eye pain or severe headaches
Testing and Diagnosis
There are three key ways to check for glaucoma:
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Optic nerve examination for signs of damage
- Visual field test to detect blind spots or sight loss
Early testing is vital- once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.
Treatment Options
Glaucoma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled. Treatment helps reduce eye pressure and prevent further nerve damage. Common options include:
- Prescription eye drops that improve fluid drainage or reduce fluid production
- Oral medications to lower eye pressure
- Laser therapy or surgery in more severe cases
Always use your medication exactly as prescribed- skipping doses can undo progress.
Access Eye Care at Your Convenience
At Dr Kart, we believe healthcare should be within everyone’s reach- anytime, anywhere.
Our Dr Kart Vending Machine at Shell Tampines Ave 2 brings healthcare closer to you- offering easy access to medical consultation, health essentials, and over-the -counter remedies.
Stop by today for quick access to healthcare support, and let’s keep your vision- and your future – bright.
Quick, Convenient Help with Dr Kart if you suffer from eye ailments
Need professional advice but don’t have time for the clinic visit? Dr Kart’s 24/7 healthcare vending machines– including our location at Shell Tampines Ave 2– connect you instantly with a licensed doctor for an on-the-spot video consult.
Prescription medications are available for treating eye ailments.
For maintaining eye health, our eye supplement product: Vision Care is available from Shopee or Lazada.
