Treatment for glaucoma is to bring the eye pressure down quickly to stop progressive damage to the eye.

"If the pressure is not too high, the patient is given eye drops. If the pressure is high, tablets (Azetozolamide) and injection (IV mannitol) are given. Most eye drops prescribed are for use once, twice or thrice a day. They are to be used daily for the rest of your life."

For angle-closure glaucoma, eye drops are given to keep the pressure low once it has been brought down, Then, the patient can go for YAG laser peripheral iridotomy (to create a hole in the iris to make another channel for the eye fluid circulation) and eventually, surgery to remove the eye lens (as in cataract surgery) to create more space for the eye.

In angle-open and secondary glaucoma, the patient will be given eye drops to reduce the eye pressure by reducing aqueous (fluid in the eye) production or increasing outflow of the fluid from the eye or a combination of both procedures.

After successful treatment, having normal eye pressure means the glaucoma is controlled, and further visual deterioration has been halted.

Dr Chuah says that, however, this does not imply that the glaucoma has been cured. "The patient has to go for follow-up checks on a regular basis to ensure the optimum eye pressure is maintained to prevent progressive damage to the eye."

He advises glaucoma patients to practise compliance in taking medication, attend follow-ups and have their eye pressure checked on a routine basis.

"Compliance in taking medication is an important regime to follow. If you don't use the eye drops for a few days, the pressure goes up and your nerve may be damaged. You don't want that," he says.