Glaucoma Screening & DiagnosisOn this page, you will find the following: Diagnosis of GlaucomaIndividuals at high risk for glaucoma should have a dilated pupil eye examination at least every two years. Eye doctors use several tests to detect glaucoma; these tests include: Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye. Examples of tonometers include: 1) The air puff or noncontact tonometer emits a puff of air. Eye pressure is measured by the eye’s resistance to the air. 2) The applanation tonometer touches the eye’s surface after the eye has been numbed, and measures the amount of pressure necessary to flatten the cornea. This is the most sensitive tonometer, but a clear, regularly-shaped, cornea is needed for it to function properly. 3) The electronic indentation method measures pressure by directly contacting anesthetized eyes with a digital pen-like instrument. In pupil dilation, special drops temporarily enlarge the pupil so that the doctor can better view the inside of the eye. Visual field testing measures the entire area seen by the forward-looking eye to document straight-ahead (central) and/or side (peripheral) vision. It measures the dimmest light seen at each spot tested. Each time a flash of light is perceived, the patient responds by pressing a button. A visual acuity test measures sight at various distances. While seated 20 feet from an eye chart, the patient is asked to read standardized visual charts with each eye, with and without corrective lenses. Pachymetry uses an ultrasonic wave instrument to help determine the thickness of the cornea and better evaluate eye pressure. Ophthalmoscopy allows the doctor to examine the interior of the eye by looking through the pupil with a special instrument. This can help detect damage to the optic nerve caused by glaucoma. Gonioscopy allows the doctor to view the front part of the eye (anterior chamber) to determine if the iris is closer than normal to the back of the cornea. This test can help diagnose closed-angle glaucoma. Optic nerve imaging helps document optic nerve changes over time. Nerve imaging techniques include stereo optic nerve photographs, scanning laser polarimetry (GDx), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph or HRT) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). All four techniques are painless and non-invasive. A doctor will determine which method(s) to use. Find a DoctorIt is very important to have regular eye examinations, particularly as you age, or if you have any of the risk factors associated with glaucoma. Glaucoma normally has no symptoms until vision that cannot be regained is lost. However, if diagnosed early, glaucoma is treatable. Eye pressure can be monitored and controlled, and disease progress can be delayed. People under age 60 should have an eye exam at least every two years; for those over age 60 or at risk, a physician may recommend more frequent exams. Many people confuse optometrists and ophthalmologists. An optometrist has a four year post-graduate degree (following a Bachelor of Science degree) and is a Doctor of Optometry. Optometrists examine patients and prescribe treatment, normally non-surgical, such as eyeglasses and contacts. An ophthalmologist has an undergraduate degree, a four-year medical degree and four years of post-graduate training in ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor and can also perform eye surgery. For regular, comprehensive eye exams, an optometrist is a good option. For those at risk or who have already been diagnosed with an eye disease, an ophthalmologist may be better able to treat and manage symptoms. Always consult your eye doctor for professional advice. The following websites may be helpful in finding an eye care professional: Find an optometrist (AOA) Find an ophthalmologist (AAO) American Medical Association WebMD Find a Doc Further InformationThe following AHAF publications provide more information: Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is a public service of the American Health Assistance Foundation, and should not in any way substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Although we take efforts to keep the medical information on our website updated, we cannot guarantee that the information on our website reflects the most up-to-date research. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice; all medications and supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. The American Health Assistance Foundation does not endorse any medical product or therapy. Source: The American Health Assistance Foundation is grateful to Carla J. Siegfried, M.D. at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri for reviewing aspects of the above content. Last Reviewed On: 09/11/09 |
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