Glaucoma

Protect your vision. Detect early, preserve sight.

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP). It is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.

Glaucoma often develops silently and painlessly, with no noticeable symptoms until significant vision is lost. This makes early detection and regular eye screening essential, especially for individuals at risk.

Types of Glaucoma

  1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
    The most common type. Progresses slowly and often goes unnoticed in early stages.

  2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma
    A sudden rise in eye pressure due to blocked drainage angles. This is a medical emergency.

  3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma
    Optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure. Other risk factors may be involved.

  4. Secondary Glaucoma
    Caused by eye injuries, inflammation, medications, or other eye conditions.

  5. Congenital Glaucoma
    A rare form present at birth due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system.

Symptoms

In early stages, glaucoma often has no symptoms. As it progresses, patients may experience:

  • Loss of peripheral (side) vision

  • Blurred vision

  • Halos around lights

  • Eye pain or pressure (especially in angle-closure glaucoma)

  • Redness or nausea (in acute attacks)

Who is At Risk?

  • Age 40 and above

  • Family history of glaucoma

  • Diabetes or high blood pressure

  • Prolonged steroid use

  • Severe myopia or hyperopia

  • Previous eye injuries

Diagnosis at ESC Kuching

We use a combination of tests to detect and monitor glaucoma, including:

  • Eye pressure measurement (Tonometry)

  • Optic nerve imaging (OCT)

  • Visual field test

  • Gonioscopy (angle assessment)

  • Pachymetry (corneal thickness measurement)

Our Treatment Approach

While glaucoma cannot be cured, it can be controlled to prevent further vision loss.

  • Eye Drops
    To lower eye pressure and maintain it within a safe range.

  • Oral Medications
    In certain cases, to assist with pressure reduction.

  • Laser Therapy

    • Laser Trabeculoplasty for open-angle glaucoma

    • Laser Iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma

  • Glaucoma Surgery

    • Trabeculectomy or Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) to improve drainage

Book Your Glaucoma Screening Today

Early diagnosis is key to preventing vision loss. If you're at risk or have a family history of glaucoma, don’t delay.