Don’t Let Glaucoma
Steal Your Sight.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not a single disease, but a group of progressive eye conditions that damage the optic nerve—the vital structure that transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This damage is often linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), although glaucoma can also occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range.
One of the key challenges with glaucoma is that it often develops silently. In its early stages, there may be no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is commonly referred to as the “silent thief of sight.” Vision loss usually begins in the peripheral (side) vision and progresses gradually. By the time central vision is affected, the damage is often advanced and irreversible.
Meet Our Specialists
Datin Dr Thayanithi Sandragasu
Kuala Lumpur
Dr Teh Swee Sew
Kuala Lumpur
Dr Amir Samsudin
Kuala Lumpur & Shah Alam
Dr Ng Hong Kee
Penang
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Vision loss caused by glaucoma is permanent and cannot be reversed. However, early detection and appropriate treatment can slow down or stop further vision loss. Treatments such as eye drops, laser therapy, and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) work by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to preserve your remaining sight.
Yes, most major Malaysian health insurance policies cover medically necessary glaucoma consultations, diagnostic scans (such as OCT and Visual Field tests), laser treatments, and surgical procedures. Coverage for daily prescription eye drops depends on your individual policy terms. OasisEye Specialists accepts a wide range of insurance providers—please contact our team to verify your panel coverage.
You can get comprehensive glaucoma screening at any of the OasisEye Specialists centers across Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Shah Alam, Cheras, Seremban, and Kuching. Our eye care centers are equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and automated perimeter visual field analyzers.
Glaucoma is diagnosed through a combination of pain-free tests, including:
- Tonometry: Measures the fluid pressure inside your eye (IOP).
- Ophthalmoscopy & OCT Scanning: Examines and captures detailed 3D imagery of the optic nerve.
- Visual Field Testing (Perimetry): Assesses your peripheral (side) vision.
- Gonioscopy: Evaluates the drainage angle of the eye to determine whether you have open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma.
Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment options include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: The most common initial treatment to reduce fluid production or improve drainage.
- Laser Therapy: Procedures like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) or Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) to relieve eye pressure.
- Surgical Options: Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), Trabeculectomy, or glaucoma drainage implant surgery to create new pathways for eye fluid drainage.
Glaucoma earns this name because open-angle glaucoma—the most common form—usually causes no pain and no visible symptoms in its early stages. Loss of sight begins slowly in the peripheral vision, which often goes unnoticed until significant and irreversible optic nerve damage has occurred.
- Open-Angle Glaucoma: Develops gradually over time as the eye’s drainage channels become less efficient. It is painless and symptomless in early stages.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Occurs when the iris bulges forward and suddenly blocks the drainage angle completely. This causes a sudden, severe spike in eye pressure requiring immediate emergency medical attention.
You are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:
- Are over 40 years old.
- Have a family history of glaucoma.
- Have high intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Suffer from underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or extreme nearsightedness (myopia).
- Have a history of long-term steroid medication use or previous eye injuries.