Did you know that eye diseases are common and can go undetected for a long time? In fact, vision loss sometimes happens so gradually that you may not recognise you have a problem until it's too late.
The Leading Cause of Blindness in People over 40!
Known as the "Silent Thief of Sight”, glaucoma develops when the optic nerve is damaged. As this nerve gradually deteriorates, blind spots develop in your vision. In Malaysia, some form of glaucoma affects about 1 in 2000 people.
At first, glaucoma doesn’t usually have any symptoms. Over time, you may slowly lose vision, usually starting with your peripheral vision.
Only Your Eye Doctor Knows for Sure
Your eye doctor may suspect glaucoma if your eye pressure is above normal or if your optic nerve has a certain appearance that may be consistent with early glaucoma (called cupping).
Traditional treatments for this condition usually involve prescription eye drops or more invasive surgical procedures, all aimed at reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) which is the primary risk factor for glaucoma.
Speaking on behalf of KPJ Centre for Sight, Dr Choong Yean Yaw, Cornea and Refractive Surgeon said, there has been a shift towards minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) such as iStent, as well as newer interventions like Preserflo MicroShunt. Both these devices offer a less invasive alternative to traditional surgeries.
Dive Into a New Horizon in Glaucoma Care
iStent: A tiny device that has helped thousands of people with glaucoma manage their intraocular pressure.
“This device helps reduce eye pressure by creating a bypass between the anterior chamber and the eye's natural drainage pathway, Schlemm's canal. It's often used during cataract surgery in patients with mild to moderate open-angle glaucoma, with studies showing significant reduction in the need for medication postoperatively,” said Dr Choong.
Preserflo: A microshunt that offers a new treatment option for patients with moderate to severe open-angle glaucoma. It works by creating a new drainage channel from the anterior chamber of the eye to a small reservoir just under the conjunctiva, where the filtered fluid is absorbed.
Comparing Minimally Invasive Surgeries and Traditional Glaucoma Treatments
“Traditional glaucoma surgeries, such as trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery, although effective, are much more invasive and come with a higher risk of complications and a longer recovery period”
“MIGS like iStent and Preserflo provide a less invasive approach with a faster recovery time, making them a suitable option especially for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgery due to their eye condition or other health concerns”
“In terms of medication, many patients struggle with the inconvenience and local side effects of long-term eye drop use. iStent and Preserflo come with additional benefits of lowering or even eliminating the reliance on these medications, therefore simplifying treatment regimens and potentially improving the patient's quality of life,” said Dr Choong.
How do iStent and Preserflo measure against each other?
“Based on my experience, I've found that Preserflo is typically more effective in lowering the IOP than iStent. However, for patients with early to moderate glaucoma who are planning a cataract surgery, I would recommend a combination of cataract and iStent surgery because iStent implantation does not require an additional surgical wound. Preserflo implantation, on the other hand, is a choice typically offered as a standalone glaucoma surgery,” explained Dr Choong.
Are traditional glaucoma therapies no longer valid considering these advancements?
Traditional therapies aren't obsolete—they are still effective at lowering IOP—but they often come with higher potential complications such as over drainage, infection, bleeding, and the need for additional surgeries. They also typically require a more extended period of post-operative care and follow-up.
Looking Into the Future of Glaucoma Treatment
“The future of glaucoma care leans towards a more personalised approach, where interventions are tailored based on each patient's specific condition. While eye drop prescriptions remain a common starting point for treatment, surgical interventions such as iStent and Preserflo are increasingly becoming valuable alternatives to traditional surgeries and long-term medication management. They represent significant progress in our fight against this "silent thief of sight", said Dr Choong.
Taking care of your eye health is just as important as looking after the rest of your body
With a team of well-trained surgeons and qualified and experienced optometrists, KPJ Pusat Pakar Mata Centre for Sight strives to offer top notch medical care and will take care of you and your eyes in the best way possible.
Backed by the research, technology, and teamwork of their renowned team of eye specialists, their comprehensive patient care is designed to prevent, treat, and cure various eye disorders and diseases.
Eye Exams are for all Ages
Even with perfect vision, eye care is very important. It is recommended that you attend an eye test with an eye specialist such as an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist every two years. But if you have diabetes or are over the age of 40 and have a family history of glaucoma, you will need to have your eyes tested more often.
Regardless of how good your eyesight is, scheduling regular eye exams is an essential way to protect overall health and wellness. Visit https://www.kpjhealth.com.my/cfs/glaucoma and browse through KPJ Centre For Sight social media pages: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for more info.
This article is provided by KPJ Centre for Sight.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
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