Glaucoma is a group of eye disorders leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve, a tissue that is responsible for peripheral (side) vision.
The most common form of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is associated with an increase in the fluid pressure inside the eye. This increase in pressure may cause progressive damage to the optic nerve and vision loss may result. Advanced glaucoma may even cause blindness.
How do our doctors test for glaucoma?
Our doctors will perform a variety of tests, mostly included in your comprehensive exam to screen for Glaucoma.
Testing includes:
- Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and family history that may be contributing to the problem.
- Visual acuity measurements to determine the extent to which vision may be affected.
- Eye pressures are measured to detect increased risk factors for glaucoma.
- Visual field testing to check your side (peripheral) vision and central vision and comparing it to others of similar age.
- Evaluation of the optic nerve head (the tissue damaged in glaucoma).
- Photographs of the optic nerve, in order to monitor any changes that might occur over time.
- Supplemental testing may include gonioscopy, a procedure allowing views of the angle anatomy, the area in the eye where fluid drainage occurs.
- We also co-manage with ophthalmologists who specialize in glaucoma.