Regular eye examinations by your ophthalmologist are the best way to detect glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist can detect and treat glaucoma.
During a complete and painless examination, you ophthalmologist will:
Measure your intraocular pressure
(tonometry);
Inspect the optic nerve head for
evidence of glaucoma damage
Inspect the drainage angle of your eye (gonioscopy);
Some of these tests may not be necessary for every person. You may need to repeat these tests on a regular basis, to determine if glaucoma damage is increasing over time.
If there is a sign or suspicion of glaucoma your eye doctor will probably ask for both a visual field test and a topographical map of the optic nerve head.
The visual field test is done in order to detect any changes in the peripheral vision and the optic nerve mapping is done to assess if there has been a loss of optic nerve fibers.
Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?
High pressure alone does not mean that you have glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist puts together many kinds of information to determine your risk for developing the disease.
The most important risk factors include:
Age; African ancestry; A family history of glaucoma; Past injuries to the eyes.
Your ophthalmologist will weigh all of these factors before deciding whether you need treatment for glaucoma, or whether you should be monitored closely as a glaucoma suspect.
If you are a glaucoma suspect this means your risk of developing glaucoma is higher than normal. You will need to have more frequent examinations to detect any early signs of damage to the optic nerve which will allow for treatment before any serious vision loss occurs.
Materials produced here are not intended to provide medical information. Rather, the materials are presented for informational purposes only. None of the materials presented may be relied upon by any person for any medical, diagnostic or treatment reasons whatsoever. None of the materials presented here may be relied upon by any person for purpose other than informational purposes without the express written consent of Dr. Murray McFadden or the person indicated as the owner of the relevant materials. Dr. Murray McFadden disclaims any liability for any injury or other damages resulting from the review or use of the information obtained here. Dr. Murray McFadden asks that any person reviewing the materials presented here obtain specific medical advice and answers to specific medical questions, by a qualified eye doctor.
