Glaucoma in Singapore has become a significant public health problem in the last few years. Glaucoma is a major public health issue in Singapore. It is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it worsens slowly without symptoms. This group of eye diseases is hazardous to your eyesight and, sadly, is one of the main reasons people go blind permanently in this country. Alarmingly, the number of glaucoma cases in Singapore is rising, which shows how important it is to raise knowledge and take action right away.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to find glaucoma early because vision loss doesn’t usually show up until the disease is extremely advanced. People in Singapore need to get regular eye exams and quick medical care to keep their vision healthy and quality of life high. By taking care of their eyes and seeking treatment right away, people can greatly lower the harmful effects of this “silent thief.”
What is the current state of glaucoma in Singapore?
Research shows that about 3% of Singaporeans over the age of 50 have myopia, which is also called nearsightedness. This number goes up as people get older.
In Singapore, people of different races have varying rates of getting glaucoma, a group of eye diseases. Studies indicate that Chinese people in Singapore are more likely to get normal-tension glaucoma. Malays and Indians in Singapore, on the other hand, are more likely to get primary angle-closure glaucoma. This means that plans for glaucoma screening and treatment might need to be changed to take into account the different risks that come with other racial groups in Singapore. People who want to keep their eyes and quality of life must get checked out early and get the proper care.
What Glaucoma Varieties Should Singaporeans Be Aware Of?
- Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most frequent type globally and in Singapore. Drainage channels clog, leading to slow, painless vision loss.
- Primary angle-closure glaucoma is more common in Asian populations, including Singapore. The iris blocks drainage, causing rapid pressure increases and potential acute attacks.
- In normal-tension glaucoma, the optic nerve can still be painful with regular eye pressure. People from China who live in Singapore are more likely to get this condition.
- Secondary glaucoma results from other conditions like diabetes, eye injuries, or steroid use.
Risk Factors for Glaucoma in Singapore
The chance of glaucoma in Singapore rises with age, especially after age 40, and is highest for people over 60. If someone in your family has had glaucoma, your risk is up to nine times higher. Chinese people in Singapore are more likely to get normal-tension glaucoma, while Malay and Indian people in Singapore are more likely to get angle-closure glaucoma. Diabetes and high blood pressure, which are common in Singapore, are also significant risk factors. About 80% of young adults in Singapore have high myopia, which raises their chance of glaucoma even more.
How can people in Singapore find out about glaucoma early?
Glaucoma gets worse without any apparent signs until it hurts the visual nerve. So, getting regular eye tests is critical.
Signs and symptoms of chronic glaucoma
- Loss of peripheral vision over time
- Having trouble getting used to low light
- Lights with halos around them
- Lessened ability to see contrast
- Late-stage signs include blurry vision and a lot of vision loss.
Signs of an Acute Angle-Closure Attack
- Intense eye pain all of a sudden
- Pain and sickness
- Trouble seeing
- Seeing rings of colorful colors around lights
- Red eye
- a middle-sized pupil that doesn’t react appropriately to light
Singapore’s healthcare system is checking more and more people over 40 for glaucoma as part of regular checkups, especially those who are at a higher risk.
The Economic Impact of Glaucoma in Singapore
In Singapore, glaucoma costs a lot of money in many different ways. Consultations, tests, medications, laser treatments, and surgeries are all examples of direct medical costs. Even with government assistance and insurance coverage, these costs can be huge for people who need many different medicines or surgeries.
Any cost, no matter how small, makes a big difference. Glaucoma makes it challenging to see, which makes it harder to be independent, less productive at work, and lowers your quality of life.
A Singapore Eye Research Institute study estimated that the lifetime economic cost of glaucoma for a single patient in Singapore ranges from SGD 1,500 to over SGD 30,000, depending on disease severity and treatment requirements. When projected across the affected population, the economic burden exceeds hundreds of millions annually.
Treatment Approaches for Glaucoma in Singapore
Treatment for glaucoma in Singapore combines the country’s best foreign and essential local practices. Eye drops are usually the first treatment to lower eye pressure, but it can be challenging for patients to keep up with their treatments. Many can get open-angle and angle-closure glaucoma treatments with lasers, such as SLT (selective laser trabeculoplasty) and LPI (laser peripheral iridotomy). When medicine and lasers don’t help, surgery like trabeculectomy or tube shunt implantation is considered. Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) is becoming more popular, too.
What Are the Future Directions for Glaucoma Management in Singapore?
Singapore is interested in research into glaucoma. One ongoing project involves finding genetic factors to predict glaucoma risk and tailor treatment to each person. Researchers are also working on new ways to deliver drugs, like long-lasting implants, to help people take their medications as prescribed. Second, stem cell therapy is also being investigated as a possible way to heal damaged optic nerve tissue and restore eyesight.
So, What Are the Key Takeaways Regarding Glaucoma in Singapore?
People in Singapore who have glaucoma face an enormous but achievable medical problem. Singapore can deal with the rising number of people with glaucoma because it has a world-class healthcare system, advanced research facilities, and a diverse set of public health interventions.
Getting people to know about glaucoma, finding it early, and treating it are the best ways to keep people from losing sight. In Singapore, everyone should get a complete eye exam as part of their regular medical care, but they should be essential for people who are at risk. People in Singapore can help fight this quiet thief of sight and protect their vision and quality of life for future generations by taking personal responsibility and changing how healthcare is provided.