Glaucoma Screening
What is Glaucoma?
What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye and is one of the leading causes of blindness for people over the age of 60. It is also known as the ‘silent thief of sight’.
Why is early treatment of Glaucoma Crucial?
Glaucoma stands as a primary cause of permanent vision loss. It’s projected that the prevalence of glaucoma in Asia will rise from 59 million in 2020 to 80 million by 2040.
In Singapore, glaucoma affects 3% of individuals aged 50 and above, and this figure escalates to 10% for those over 70.
Signs and symptoms of Glaucoma
Glaucoma often progresses unnoticed, leading to a slow deterioration of vision that might not be recognized until significant vision loss or tunnel vision occurs.
For primary open-angle glaucoma or chronic angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms can include:
- Loss of peripheral vision or patchy blind spots in both eyes.
- In later stages, narrowed vision that resembles looking through a tunnel.
In the case of acute angle-closure glaucoma, symptoms are more abrupt and severe:
- Intense headache and eye pain.
- Nausea and vomiting, often alongside severe eye pain.
- Rapid onset of visual problems, especially in dim lighting.
- Blurry vision.
- Rings or halos appearing around lights.
- Redness in the eye.
Risk Factors of Glaucoma
Several factors can elevate your risk for developing glaucoma, including:
- Age, particularly if you are over 60.
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease increase your risk.
- Ethnic background, with Asians having a higher predisposition to angle-closure glaucoma compared to Caucasians.
- Past eye injuries or specific eye surgeries.
- A family history of glaucoma.
- The use of corticosteroid medications, either as eye drops or orally.
- Refractive errors, with near-sightedness (myopia) linked to a higher risk of open-angle glaucoma, and far-sightedness (hyperopia) associated with angle-closure glaucoma.
How often should I get screened for Glaucoma?
If you are at risk of glaucoma, the recommended screening intervals varies according to your age:
Ages 40 to 54, every one to three years.
Ages 55 to 64, every one to two years.
Ages 65 and older, every six to 12 months.
Screening for Glaucoma
At Bethesda Medical, we are committed to providing our patients with comprehensive and advanced diagnostic services for glaucoma, ensuring early detection and effective management of this condition. Our approach combines two key diagnostic tests: Tonometry and Visual Field Assessment.
Tonometry: Measuring Eye Pressure
Tonometry is a crucial test that helps us measure the intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside your eyes. Elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for glaucoma, which can lead to optic nerve damage if not managed promptly. During this painless procedure, we use state-of-the-art instruments to gently apply a brief pulse of air or a gentle touch to the eye, allowing us to accurately assess your eye pressure. Regular tonometry tests can help detect glaucoma at an early stage before it causes significant vision loss.
Visual Field Assessment: Understanding Your Vision Range
Visual Field Assessment is another essential diagnostic tool that allows us to evaluate the full horizontal and vertical range and sensitivity of your vision. This test helps in identifying any areas of vision loss, which can be an indication of glaucoma. By having you look into a machine and respond to visual stimuli, we can map out any blind spots or areas of reduced vision in your peripheral (side) vision, which are often unnoticed in day-to-day activities. This detailed assessment helps in diagnosing glaucoma, monitoring its progression, and guiding treatment decisions.
Screening packages for Glaucoma:
Eye and Lung Test Package: $68
Our Eye and Lung Test Package is designed for those who wish to assess their visual and respiratory health simultaneously. This package includes a detailed examination of your eye health to check for signs of glaucoma, alongside a lung function test to ensure your respiratory system is working optimally.
Eye and Hearing Test Package: $48
For individuals interested in evaluating their eye and hearing health, our Eye and Hearing Test Package offers great value. This package combines a comprehensive eye examination to detect any early signs of glaucoma with a hearing assessment to ensure your auditory health is in check.
Comprehensive Eye, Lung, and Hearing Test Package: $88
Our most inclusive package, the Comprehensive Eye, Lung, and Hearing Test Package, provides a holistic health assessment at an exceptional value. This package is ideal for those looking to get a full overview of their eye, lung, and hearing health, including a thorough glaucoma screening, lung function test, and hearing assessment.
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Learn more about our Glaucoma Screening Services
