Ascend Eye Clinic

GLAUCOMA TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE

Fight Glaucoma — Get Checked Early!

Glaucoma is known as the “Silent Thief of Sight” — it damages the optic nerve quietly, often without symptoms until vision is lost. Early detection saves sight.

18+

Years of Experience

10,000+

Surgeries Performed

Triple

International Fellowship — UK & Canada

Accredited

Specialist in Singapore & Canada

A Message from Your Specialist

“Glaucoma treatment is a highly personalised journey, tailored to each individual’s condition, lifestyle and preferences. At Ascend Eye Clinic, we are committed to doing a detailed diagnosis for every patient before recommending any treatment.”

Dr Errol Chan
Medical Director & Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist
Ascend Eye Clinic

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which is vital for good vision. This damage is often caused by abnormally high pressure in your eye. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over 60 — but while it is more common in older adults, it can develop at any age.

What are the Symptoms of Glaucoma?

Glaucoma does not present as eye redness, pain or blurry vision in its early stages, and is thus known as the “Silent Thief of Sight”. As glaucoma progresses, you may experience:

Poorer Side Vision

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision is often the first sign of glaucoma damage.

Darkening or Dimming of Vision

A general darkening or dimming of vision as the optic nerve damage progresses.

Poorer Night Vision

Difficulty seeing in low light and adapting to darkness.

Eye Discomfort

Eye discomfort from a gradual increase in eye pressure.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma can be classified into several types, each with its own characteristics and treatment approaches.

Open-Angle Glaucoma

The most common form of glaucoma. The eye’s drainage canals gradually become clogged, causing increased eye pressure. Although the angle where the cornea and iris meet remains open, the fluid drains too slowly, leading to pressure buildup.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Occurs when the iris bulges forward to narrow or block the drainage angle formed by the cornea and iris. As a result, fluid can’t circulate through the eye and pressure increases.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Optic nerve damage occurs even though eye pressure is within the normal range. The cause is often unknown, but it may be due to a sensitive optic nerve or reduced blood supply to the nerve.

Congenital Glaucoma

A rare form that occurs in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system.

Secondary Glaucoma

Results from an underlying condition — such as an eye injury, inflammation or tumour — that increases eye pressure.

Why Glaucoma is More Serious Than You Think

As glaucoma usually does not exhibit symptoms in its early stages, it is crucial to have regular eye screenings to detect it before it causes irreversible damage to your optic nerve and vision.

You are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:

Are over the age of 40
Have a family history of glaucoma
Have medical conditions like hypertension, sleep apnoea or heart disease
Have extreme myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (far-sightedness)
Have had a previous injury to the eye

Glaucoma Can Compromise Your Driving

If you drive, you’ll know that good side vision is crucial for spotting objects like cyclists and pedestrians that may suddenly enter your view. In its early stages, glaucoma impairs this side vision — peripheral vision loss due to glaucoma makes it harder to react quickly to potential hazards, unlike the full field of healthy eyes.

Your Treatment Options for Glaucoma

Glaucoma treatment begins with preventing further damage to your optic nerve and controlling your eye pressure. At Ascend Eye Clinic, we offer medical, laser and surgical treatments to keep your eye pressure at a safe level. Not sure which treatment you need? Dr Errol will do a detailed diagnosis before recommending anything.

Eye Drops & Medication

Glaucoma eye drops are the most commonly prescribed treatment and often the first line of defence. With various types available, we choose the one that best aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.

Laser Treatments

Peripheral iridotomy laser — creates an opening in the iris, improving the drainage angle and lowering eye pressure
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) — targets specific cells in the drainage angle, enhancing fluid outflow
Cyclodiode laser — for cases where other treatments have failed, controls fluid production to lower pressure

Surgical Treatments

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) — microscopic stents through tiny incisions enhance fluid drainage
Trabeculectomy — a flap and pathway are created in the sclera to allow fluid to drain
Glaucoma Tube Implant Surgery — a tube implant drains fluid over a plate fixed to the sclera, lowering pressure

Prevention and Early Detection of Glaucoma

Any damage done to the optic nerve by glaucoma cannot be reversed with treatment. That’s why early detection is key. Here are some steps you can take:

Regular Eye Exams

Schedule comprehensive eye exams regularly, especially if you are over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma.

Know Your Risk Factors

Be aware of your risk factors, such as age, family history, and medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Protect Your Eyes

Use protective eyewear to prevent eye injuries that could lead to glaucoma.

Need help figuring out your risk profile for glaucoma? Book a consultation with Ascend Eye Clinic for advice tailored to your health and lifestyle.

Meet Our Ophthalmologist

Dr Errol Chan

Dr Chan is a triple-fellowship trained, experienced and internationally recognised ophthalmologist, with clinical experience from McGill University and Moorfields Eye Hospital London, and ophthalmology accreditation from the UK, Canada & Singapore.

As founder & Medical Director of Ascend Eye Clinic, his specialisations include cataract surgery, premium lens implants, presbyopia correction, retinal diseases & surgery, secondary lens implants, glaucoma treatment & surgery, high-risk & complex eye surgery, and laser vision correction.

Qualifications

National University of Singapore, MBBS with Distinction
Royal College of Ophthalmologists, UK
Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Professional Memberships

Fellowships

Clinical Stints

Here's Why You Should Choose Ascend Eye Clinic

Customised Treatment Plans

Every patient’s condition, lifestyle and goals are unique — and so should their care. We take the time to listen, understand and evaluate your needs in detail, then develop a tailored treatment plan that delivers the most ideal outcomes.

Compassionate Patient-Centered Care

For most of us, our vision is our most valued sense. Whether you are a senior, of working age, or the parent of a child who needs help, we prioritise understanding your case and determining the most suitable treatment to improve or preserve your vision.

Powered By Technology

We harness the power of ophthalmic technology to deliver precise diagnostics, accurate treatments and faster recovery times — from imaging systems to minimally invasive surgical tools.

Committed to Patient Safety

Your safety is our highest priority. Every diagnosis and treatment we provide is evidence-based, ensuring each step of your care is not only effective but held to a high standard of safety and quality.

Dedicated Service & Aftercare

Before surgery, we discuss all treatment options and recommend the most appropriate one. After surgery, we provide aftercare including follow-up consultations and treatment plans tailored to every patient, to promote optimal recovery.

Insurance Partners

We are on the following Integrated Shield Plan insurance providers & corporate insurance panels. Our staff will assist with financial counselling, applications for pre-authorisation, e-filing for cashless procedures, and documentation to facilitate insurance claims.

AIA

Great Eastern

Prudential

Income

Singlife

HSBC Life

Raffles Health

MediSave Claimable

Most glaucoma treatment and surgery costs can be partially covered using your MediSave account. Our staff will assist with financial counselling, applications for pre-authorisation, e-filing and documentation for your insurance and MediSave claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tests are performed to diagnose glaucoma?

Visual acuity test — to assess the sharpness of your vision. Tonometry — measures intraocular pressure. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) — measures the thickness of the ganglion cell and retinal nerve fibre layers; thinning indicates glaucoma damage to the optic nerve. An anterior-segment OCT also assesses the width of the drainage pathway. Visual field test — determines areas of peripheral vision loss.

Why is it important to diagnose glaucoma early?

Glaucoma usually does not exhibit symptoms in its early stages and is typically detected through regular eye screenings. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible blindness and preserve your vision.

Can glaucoma damage be reversed?

Damage to the optic nerve is irreversible, so early detection is key. By catching glaucoma early, we can halt its progression and initiate treatment to prevent further vision loss.

Will I still need medication after glaucoma surgery?

Most patients find they no longer need medication after glaucoma surgery. However, some may still require medication to manage eye pressure, though usually at lower doses. We customise your post-operative care to fit your specific needs and condition.

Protect Your Vision From Glaucoma

Don’t let glaucoma steal your sight. With consistent care and treatment, you can stabilise and preserve your vision. Book your consultation today.

Our clinic staff will call you within 24 hours to confirm your appointment.
For urgent appointments, please call us at +65 8818 3788.

Ascend Eye Clinic

Dedicated to restoring and enhancing your vision. Advanced eye care for cataract, glaucoma and retinal conditions — personalised to every patient.

Our Services

Cataract Surgery
Glaucoma Treatment
Retinal Conditions
Book an Appointment

Locate & Contact Us

1 Farrer Park Station Road #08-15
Farrer Park Medical Centre
Singapore 217562

contact@ascendeyeclinic.sg
+65 6320 3788
+65 8818 3788 (24 hrs)