How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed?

Glaucoma is an eye condition that silently causes vision loss and blindness by damaging the optic nerve. The symptoms begin slowly, and you may not notice them until it is too late. The only way to catch glaucoma early is to attend regular comprehensive eye exams as they will detect the symptoms and pick up on the early signs of the disease.

However, it is crucial to note that there is no cure for glaucoma. The best thing you can do is manage its progression and mitigate vision loss.

Diagnosis

The doctor can check for glaucoma during your regular comprehensive eye exam. If they notice any signs of the disease, they will ask for further tests. These tests will include:

Tonometry

The test measures your inner eye (intraocular) pressure. It is a simple and quick test where the doctor will numb your eye using eye drops. They apply a dye to the front of your eyes and shine a light on it. They will use a tiny pencil-like device to apply a small amount of pressure on your eye surface. They may also deliver a warm puff of air. As they do this, they check how well your cornea pushes back.

The normal intraocular pressure ranges from 12 to 21 mm Hg. Most glaucoma cases exceed 20 mm Hg. However, there are also cases of people within the normal intraocular pressure range showing symptoms of glaucoma. The reason is that every eye is unique. Hence the need to go for regular comprehensive eye exams.

Ophthalmoscopy

The test involves dilation of the pupil to enable the doctor to examine the shape and color of the optic nerve. They will use a small device to shine light and magnify the optic nerve so they can see its different aspects. If there is something wrong, they will continue with more tests—in this case, the gonioscopy and perimetry.

Gonioscopy

The diagnostic exam helps check whether the eye’s drainage angle is open or has a blockage. You will rest your head on a slit-lamp microscope as the doctor applies numbing eye drops and places specific contact lenses on your eyes.

These lenses have a mirror that allows the doctor to see whether the angle between the iris and the cornea is wide and open or narrow and has a blockage. It will also determine the type of glaucoma you have.

Perimetry

The test uses a sequence of light spots to map your visual field. You will look straight ahead and note these at different points of your peripheral vision. The doctor will give you a button you can press to indicate the light spots you can see. If you cannot see some light spots, the condition is progressing. The doctor may ask you to repeat the test to compare the results.

Pachymetry

The pachymetry test checks the thickness of your cornea. The doctor places a probe or pachymeter on the front of your eye to measure the corneal thickness. The reason for this test is that corneal thickness can affect intraocular pressure. It only takes a minute. It will help the doctor diagnose your condition.

For more information on glaucoma, visit Heights Eye Studio at our Houston, Texas office. Call 832-975-7020 to schedule an appointment today.