Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, and its most dangerous characteristic is that it often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Peripheral vision is lost gradually and so slowly that many people don't notice until significant damage has already occurred. By the time central vision is affected, the disease is typically advanced. Glaucoma testing is the only way to detect this condition early enough to preserve vision.

What Glaucoma Testing Includes

A comprehensive glaucoma evaluation involves multiple tests rather than a single measurement. Each provides a different piece of the diagnostic picture:

  • Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement — Tonometry: Elevated eye pressure is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. Our office uses non-contact tonometry for initial screening and applanation tonometry for precise measurement when needed.
  • Optic nerve evaluation: The optic nerve is examined through a dilated pupil and photographed for baseline comparison. Changes in the optic nerve's appearance — particularly in the cup-to-disc ratio — are early signs of glaucomatous damage.
  • Visual field testing: A computerized test maps peripheral vision sensitivity to detect functional losses associated with glaucoma.
  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT): This imaging technology measures the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer around the optic nerve — often detecting structural loss before functional vision changes are measurable.
  • Pachymetry: Corneal thickness measurement, which is needed to correctly interpret IOP readings.
  • Gonioscopy: An examination of the drainage angle of the eye to classify the type of glaucoma present.

Risk Factors That Increase Your Need for Testing

  • Age over 60 (or over 40 for African Americans, who have significantly higher risk)
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • Elevated intraocular pressure
  • History of eye injury or surgery
  • Long-term corticosteroid use
  • Thin corneas or large optic nerve cup-to-disc ratio

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but when detected early, it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss. Annual comprehensive exams that include glaucoma screening are your most important defense. Contact us to schedule your evaluation today.