Extract from TheStar:

Chronic open-angle glaucoma

THIS is the commonest form of glaucoma in most countries and affects the middle age and older population. Relatives of people with this form of glaucoma have a higher risk of developing this disease due to its hereditary tendency. People who are short-sighted are also at risk, says consultant ophthalmologist Dr Chuah Kay-Leong.

This type of glaucoma progresses slowly and often goes unnoticed for years. This is because it does not affect the straight-ahead vision and reading vision until the end stage. A gradual loss of night vision and side vision also occurs.

This condition responds well to glaucoma eye drops but in a few cases, surgery is required to provide an additional drainage channel for the eye fluid to relieve the eye pressure.

Acute or angle-closure glaucoma

This is the commonest type of glaucoma among the Chinese. “It affects the middle age and elderly, especially women. There is a sudden severe increase of pressure in the eye, resulting in permanent blindness if the eye pressure is not brought down promptly,” says Dr Chuah.

Unlike chronic glaucoma, this form of glaucoma is associated with very dramatic symptoms such as severe pain in the eye, loss of vision, redness, seeing haloes around lights, headache and vomiting.

Congenital glaucoma

This occurs at birth and is rare. Dr Chuah says symptoms such as enlargement of the baby’s eyes, tearing and sensitivity to light are warning signs to parents that their baby needs a full ophthalmologic examination.

Secondary glaucoma

This glaucoma is caused by pre-existing conditions in the eye. For instance, inflammation of the eye, tumours, eye surgery, injuries or mature cataracts can all cause fluid to be retained in the eye, causing high pressure to build up.

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