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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness around the world.Glaucoma is caused by excessive pressure in the eye, resulting in damage that compromises a person’s vision. The problem with glaucoma is that it does not usually cause noticeable side effects until the condition has progressed to the point that damage is irreversible.
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Testing for Glaucoma
There are several tests that we perform to examine the eyes for signs of glaucoma.
- Inner eye pressure: Inner eye pressure is evaluated through a test called a tonometry with as small puff of air.
- Shape and color of the optic nerves: A diagnostic procedure called an ophthalmoscopy allows our doctors to examine the color and shape of the nerves at the back of the eye. The eyes are first dilated and then a special tool is used to light and magnify the back of the eye. If the nerves look unusual, additional testing may be ordered.
- Field of vision: To test a patient’s field of vision, we perform an exam called a perimetry. During this exam, patients are asked to look straight ahead and then report when they see a light that is being passed over their peripheral field of vision. This test not only helps diagnose glaucoma, but is also useful for tracking the progression of glaucoma after it has been diagnosed.
Glaucoma Vision Stages
From normal vision on the left to advanced Glaucoma on the far right.
