A glaucoma test is a comprehensive eye exam designed to detect glaucoma, a condition damaging the optic nerve and potentially leading to vision loss. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and preventing further damage. The tests aim to assess both the health of your eyes and the optic nerve.
Types of Glaucoma Tests
Several tests may be used to diagnose glaucoma, often in combination:
-
Eye Pressure Check (Tonometry): This measures the pressure inside your eye, a key factor in glaucoma development. Higher-than-normal pressure can damage the optic nerve.
-
Dilated Eye Exam: Eye drops widen your pupils, allowing the ophthalmologist to thoroughly examine the optic nerve for any damage or abnormalities. This is a vital part of the assessment.
-
Visual Field Test: This assesses your peripheral vision, identifying any blind spots, a common symptom of glaucoma.
-
Optic Nerve Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), create detailed images of the optic nerve, revealing structural changes indicative of glaucoma.
-
Gonioscopy: Using a special lens, the doctor examines the drainage angle of the eye, identifying whether the fluid outflow is blocked, a potential cause of glaucoma.
-
Corneal Thickness Test (Pachymetry): Measures the thickness of the cornea, as a thicker cornea can skew intraocular pressure measurements.
-
Angle Test: This test assesses the angle where the iris meets the cornea; a narrow angle increases the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
The specific tests performed will depend on your individual risk factors and medical history. These tests help determine whether damage to the optic nerve is present and the extent of such damage, if any. Early and regular glaucoma testing is essential for maintaining eye health.
