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Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight: Q & A Session with an Expert

  • decodeMR Team
  • 4 days ago
  • 4 min read



Welcome back to another episode of Inline.


In this episode, we are focusing on glaucoma, which is often called the “silent thief of sight”, because it can quietly damage vision before any signs are noticed. In fact, many people realize something is wrong only when the disease has already advanced. Yet, glaucoma is highly manageable when detected early, and with proper awareness and regular screening, much of the vision loss can be prevented.


To discuss more about glaucoma, we are joined by Dr. Wei Boon Khor, a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Singapore Eye & Vision, who explains how glaucoma develops silently, the subtle signs people tend to overlook, and the serious consequences of delayed diagnosis.

Dr. Khor also highlights the evolving landscape of glaucoma care—from better diagnostic tools to the importance of awareness and long-term adherence to treatment, offering practical insights for anyone looking to protect their vision or support someone living with this condition.


Key Discussion Points


Understanding Glaucoma & Early Warning Signs (1:10)

  • Glaucoma often develops without pain or noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages, which leads many people to overlook it

  • People may experience reduced side vision, difficulty seeing in low light, or a gradual “tunnel vision” effect without realizing it is due to optic nerve damage


When Glaucoma Becomes an Emergency (2:18)

  • Sudden eye pain, headache, nausea, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights may indicate a dangerous spike in eye pressure

  • In this form of glaucoma, pressure rises quickly and can permanently damage the optic nerve within hours or days, making immediate treatment essential


Consequences of Leaving Glaucoma Untreated (3:38)

  • The optic nerve functions like a cable sending visual signals to the brain, and untreated pressure damage slowly destroys this connection

  • Vision first diminishes from the sides, causing tunnel vision, and eventually the central vision becomes affected, potentially leading to blindness


Benefits of Early Detection & Timely Management (4:38)

  • While glaucoma cannot be cured, early diagnosis helps prevent further nerve damage and preserves useful vision long-term

  • Current options including daily eye drops, laser therapy, and surgical procedures help maintain stable eye pressure when followed correctly


Key Challenges in Diagnosis & Long-Term Management (5:55)

  • Most patients do not realize anything is wrong until significant damage has already occurred, making early detection difficult

  • Because the condition is painless and chronic, many patients skip eye drops or follow-up visits, reducing treatment effectiveness


Patient Awareness Levels & the Need for Education (7:10)

  • Many people worldwide, including in Singapore, do not know they have glaucoma until vision loss begins, leading to late diagnosis

  • Encouraging regular eye screening—especially among high-risk individuals—can significantly increase early detection rates


High-Risk Groups Who Need Regular Eye Screening (10:14)

  • People above 50, especially in their 60s and 70s, are more likely to develop glaucoma and should undergo comprehensive eye checks every 1–2 years

  • Family history, high myopia, diabetes, long-term steroid use, and previous eye injuries increase susceptibility and may require earlier screening


Misdiagnosis: Why It Happens & How to Prevent It (12:39)

  • Glaucoma can occur even with “normal” eye pressure, so checking pressure alone may miss many cases

  • Failure to inspect the optic nerve or perform visual field tests can cause doctors to overlook early signs of nerve damage


Advanced Diagnostic Tools Improving Accuracy (14:44)

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measures optic nerve thickness and curvature, helping detect early structural damage

  • Emerging technology can analyse retinal images, identify early glaucoma patterns, and even predict disease progression to guide timely treatment


Lifestyle Habits to Support Eye Health in Glaucoma Patients (17:09)

  • Taking prescribed eye drops regularly and attending scheduled follow-ups help maintain stable eye pressure and prevent deterioration

  • Staying active, avoiding smoking, limiting heavy weightlifting, and avoiding prolonged head-down positions in yoga can help prevent temporary spikes in eye pressure



Key take home messages:


  • Glaucoma often develops silently, so waiting for symptoms can lead to late diagnosis and irreversible vision loss

  • Early detection is the strongest defense—regular eye screenings, especially for those 50+ or at higher risk, are essential

  • Glaucoma is manageable, and with proper, consistent treatment, most people can preserve their vision for life

  • Awareness and adherence matter—patients must understand the importance of daily medication and routine follow-ups

  • New diagnostic tools and upcoming technologies, including OCT and AI-based screening, are making early and accurate detection easier

  • Healthy habits support eye health—stay active, avoid smoking, be mindful during exercises like weightlifting or head-down yoga, and protect your eyes from injury

  • Glaucoma is not the same as cataract—while cataracts are reversible with surgery, glaucoma causes permanent damage if not treated early


About Dr Wei Boon Khor:


Dr. Wei Boon Khor is a Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist at Singapore Eye & Vision, specializing in Cornea and External Eye Diseases as well as Refractive Surgery. His clinical and educational interests include corneal infections, ocular allergies, lamellar corneal transplantation, and advanced refractive surgery techniques such as LASIK, Lenticule Extraction, and Advanced Surface Ablation.




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