Glaucoma is a sight-threatening eye condition whereby raised water pressure in the eye (intra-ocular pressure) will damage the optic nerve after a period of time. Glaucoma has been aptly termed “The silent thief of sight” as it robs one’s vision insidiously, slowly and painlessly. By the time one notices it, the vision loss to Glaucoma would have been quite severe. Unfortunately, any vision loss to Glaucoma is irreversible. In its early stage, it may cause mild headaches or eye aches, eye redness or coloured haloes around light sources. Hence, a once or twice- yearly eye check is crucial to diagnose Glaucoma in its early onset.

Glaucoma is usually diagnosed by an eye specialist through an eye pressure check and examination of the optic nerve and visual field (side vision).
Initial treatment for Glaucoma is by instilling of eye drops to bring down the pressure. Surgery is usually a last resort and performed only for severe cases that are poorly controlled.

Due to the way vision is lost to Glaucoma, it is wise to go for regular eye check-ups as an early intervention to bring down one’s high water pressure can essentially save one's sight.