Essential Glaucoma Evaluation Tests

When detected during its early stages, the disease can be eliminated before it causes further damage. This is the reason regular eye examinations are important. There are five tests that are carried out to determine if you have glaucoma. Signs may start showing once you hit 40. Once the screening has been done, your optician may recommend the frequency of the follow-up exams.

The following people are at high risk of contracting the disease:

• Diabetes patients
• People whose blood pressure is high
• Persons whose families have a history of the disease

If any of the following risk factors apply to you, you should visit your optometrist in Calgary to have the tests done.

Factors to be checked

For safety and accuracy, your doctor checks the following factors before diagnosing you with glaucoma:

Tonometry

The optometrist examines the pressure in your inner eye. During this test, the doctor uses eye drops to numb your eye. After this, they measure the pressure using a tonometer. A small device is used to exert some pressureon your eye.

The scale used to record the pressure is calibrated in mm Hg. 12 to 22 mm Hg is considered normal pressure. A pressure of 20 or more mm Hg is recorded for most glaucoma patients. It is, however, possible for people with the disease to record normal pressure owing to the uniqueness of eye pressure to each individual.

Ophthalmoscopy

Here, your doctor or technician examines the color and shape of your optic nerve. The doctor examines the nerve for any damages caused by glaucoma. To allow the optician to see through the eye and examine the color and shape of the nerve, the pupil is dilated using eye drops.

He then uses a lighting device to light the nerve, and the optic nerve is magnified. In the case where your optic nerve has an unusual appearance or your IOP doesn’t lie within normal rate, two more tests may be carried out: gonioscopy and perimetry.

Perimetry

The doctor does an examination of the visual field. This test helps your doctor see if glaucoma has caused any damages. What should youexpect during this procedure? In a sitting position, your doctor may ask you to stare straight ahead. He will then present light in several regions of your field of vision. This helps come up with a vision map.

There should be no cause for panic in case if you don’t immediately see the light traversing your blind spot. It is completely normal and does not in any way insinuate damage to the visual field.  On your next visit, the same test may be done to determine if the same results come out. After being diagnosed with glaucoma, you may need to visit your optician at least once per year to see if there are any changes.

Gonioscopy

During this procedure, the angle of intersection between the iris and cornea is examined. Your doctor will then determine whether this point of intersection is narrow or wide. Your eye will need numbing, and so eye drops are used for this purpose. The doctor then holds a hand lens over your eyes. The mirror in the lens will show if this angle is closed or open. A blocked and closed-angle may be a sign of acute glaucoma or angle-closure.  An open and wide one would indicate a possibility of open-angle glaucoma.

Pachymetry

In this painless and simple test, cornea thickness is examined. The doctor uses a certain probe known as a pachymeter in this procedure. It is placed on the cornea to help determine its thickness. Because the thickness of your cornea can influence the readings of your eye pressure, the pachymeter will help the diagnosis. With the measurement, the intraocular pressure reading can be better understood. A suitable treatment plan will then be developed for you.

Why the Many Evaluation Tests?

Detecting glaucoma isn’t easy. This is why you need a careful examination of your optic nerve to diagnose and come up with a treatment plan. Saving our sight is the most important goal of these tests. If doctors cannot easily diagnose or treat your condition, they may refer you to a specialist.

Early detection can save you a great deal. Looking for glaucoma evaluation in Calgary, AB? Come visit Premier Eye Care. We offer glaucoma evaluation near you.