What do Bono and Whoopi Goldberg have in common?

Yes, you guessed it, they both have glaucoma, the “sneak thief of sight”! In a nutshell, it occurs when elevated or even normal eye pressure affects the health of the optic nerve, the vital nerve for sight in our eye.

Vision loss, in the majority of cases, occurs gradually and is often only recognised when the disease is quite advanced. That is right, you could have glaucoma and not even know it! Occasionally you may experience non-specific headaches, haloes and blurring of vision at dusk.

Modern research has clearly established a strong link to genetics. Therefore, if you have a first degree relative, a parent or a sibling with glaucoma, then you should get your eyes checked with your optometrist on a yearly basis from age 50. Obstructive sleep apnoea and low blood pressure overnight are known associations as well. Lifestyle factors have also been reported including the use of tight goggles when swimming and inversion poses in yoga. Yes, I am referring to head or handstands.

Glaucoma management is one of the most rapidly advancing fields in Ophthalmology. A stepwise and targeted approach is adopted to lower eye pressure and minimise damage to the optic nerve. Treating glaucoma is like sophisticated plumbing, balancing fluid inflow and outflow.

Glaucoma management now expands beyond pressure-lowering drops alone. Advancing glaucoma research has resulted in revolutionary treatment options including laser treatment for glaucoma, SLT or selective laser trabeculoplasty. The treatment is safe, effective, efficient, and conveniently done in rooms. The results have been consistent, backed by a body of clinical data. Occasionally, a combination of drops and laser treatment is required. Should management need to be scaled up, the surgical option is MIGS or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.