Top Glaucoma Specialist Singapore: Why Insist on Seeing One if You Have Glaucoma Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness on ...
Top Glaucoma Specialist Singapore: Why Insist on Seeing One if You Have Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness on the global scale. That said, its management requires expert care. Read more about specialization on this page: https://www.drchelvinsng.com/dr-chelvin-sng-is-surgery-always-necessary-to-treat-glaucoma/.
There are no shortcuts, no substitutes, and no ways around the need for specialized attention. Without early detection and precise treatment by specialists, vision loss is inevitable, as damage to the optic nerve is permanent and irreversible.
Timely, expert care is the only way to preserve sight and prevent further damage. We're sorry if that came across as harsh, but when it comes to your vision, there's no room for compromise.
On this page, we will show you why insisting on a specialist is essential if you have glaucoma and how to choose the right one. But first;
Why is Glaucoma Serious?
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to high pressure in the eye. This nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, so any damage can lead to vision loss. There are several types of glaucoma but the most notable ones include;
- Open-angle glaucoma which is the most common type. It develops gradually as fluid drains inefficiently, increasing eye pressure over time.
- Angle-closure glaucoma which is less common but more severe. It occurs suddenly when the drainage angle between the cornea and iris is blocked.
- Normal-tension glaucoma which occurs even when eye pressure is normal. It is often linked to poor blood flow to the optic nerve.
What are the First Signs that Glaucoma is developing?
Glaucoma is often referred to as the "silent thief of sight" because it progresses without obvious early symptoms. Many people don’t even notice a problem until peripheral vision starts to decline. Some of the notable first signs that glaucoma is developing include;
- Mild eye discomfort
- Occasional blurry vision
- Halos around lights
As it progresses, symptoms worsen:
- Loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
If untreated, glaucoma can lead to complete blindness.
Who is Most at Risk for Glaucoma?
To begin with, anyone can develop glaucoma. However, there are certain factors that may increase your risks for glaucoma.
You may be considered a high risk for glaucoma if you have a family history of the disease, if you're old (persons above 55 years are more susceptible), and if you are living with medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and nearsightedness (myopia). Prolonged use of corticosteroids, smoking, and poor blood circulation can also significantly increase your risks for glaucoma.
Many people who visit our clinic for glaucoma in Singapore often ask; can glaucoma be cured permanently? Sadly, the simple answer is no, glaucoma cannot be cured permanently.
Glaucoma damage is irreversible. But don't lose hope still. With early detection and treatment, you have very good chances of stopping or significantly slowing the progression of glaucoma. Treatment often includes medication, laser therapy, or surgery to lower eye pressure and protect remaining vision.
Why Choose a Top Glaucoma Specialist in Singapore?
First, let’s make this clear; glaucoma is a complex condition that requires specialized care. While a general eye doctor can diagnose and treat basic eye issues, a glaucoma specialist offers advanced expertise and resources. Here are five reasons to choose a top glaucoma specialist in Singapore:
- Expertise in Complex Cases: Glaucoma specialists handle advanced or atypical cases that general practitioners might find challenging. These specialists have in-depth training on every aspect of glaucoma which allows them to manage multiple subtypes effectively. This includes rare forms like congenital or secondary glaucoma. This expertise ensures every aspect of the disease is addressed comprehensively.
- Advanced Diagnostics: As you would expect, specialists use advanced diagnostic tools to detect glaucoma early and monitor progression with precision. Tools like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Visual Field Testing can identify subtle changes in the optic nerve and visual fields. This precision is critical for tailoring treatments to halt further damage.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for glaucoma. When seeing a top glaucoma specialist in Singapore, you can trust them to develop treatment strategies based on your specific type, stage, and overall health. For example, early-stage open-angle glaucoma might require only medicated eye drops, while advanced cases may need surgery or laser therapy.
- Surgical Expertise: If surgery becomes necessary, specialists are skilled in advanced procedures like Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgeries (MIGS) or trabeculectomy. These techniques reduce eye pressure effectively with shorter recovery times and fewer complications.
- Lifelong Management and Monitoring: It's quite unfortunate that glaucoma is a lifelong condition. But still, here's where the knowledge and skill of your top glaucoma specialist comes in. Specialists provide ongoing care to monitor changes, adjust treatments, and manage side effects. Their expertise ensures that even subtle shifts in disease progression are addressed promptly to protect your vision in the long term.
What Should You Look for in a Top Glaucoma Specialist in Singapore?
Now that you understand the importance of choosing a top glaucoma specialist in Singapore you may be wondering; how to find a top glaucoma specialist? It isn't as difficult as it may seem.
The first thing you will want to consider when looking for a top glaucoma specialist is their qualifications and certifications. Ensure the specialist is certified by reputable medical boards and has completed advanced training in glaucoma management.
Look for memberships in organizations like the Singapore Society of Ophthalmology or international glaucoma associations. Experience also matters when it comes to managing a progressive disease like glaucoma.
A specialist who has treated numerous cases will be better equipped to handle complications. So, it would be best to also consider experience.
You will also want to check if the specialist enjoys access to advanced technology. A top glaucoma specialist in Singapore should have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and surgical equipment.
This ensures precise diagnosis and effective treatment. But your assessment shouldn't end there. Also spare some time to check reviews and testimonials from past patients. A history of satisfied patients is often a good indicator of quality care.
In Closing
Glaucoma progresses silently which makes early detection vital. Regular eye exams can catch the disease in its early stages and prevent significant vision loss.
If you’re in a high-risk group, you should schedule check-ups even if you don’t notice symptoms as delays in diagnosis can lead to irreversible damage.
Book an appointment with a trusted glaucoma specialist today to protect your vision. See details below;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre - Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE,
#06-25, Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
