Examination for glaucoma

Examination for glaucoma typically involves a series of tests and evaluations to assess the health of your eyes and detect any signs of glaucoma. Here's what the examination process may involve:

1. Medical History: Your eye doctor will review your medical history, including any family history of glaucoma, past eye injuries or surgeries, and other medical conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.

2. Intraocular Pressure Measurement: One of the primary tests for glaucoma involves measuring the pressure inside your eyes, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This is usually done using a tonometer, which may involve a puff of air or a gentle probe touching the surface of your eye.

3. Optic Nerve Examination: The doctor will examine the optic nerve at the back of your eye using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope. They will look for signs of optic nerve damage, such as cupping or thinning of the nerve fibers.

4. Visual Field Testing: Visual field testing evaluates your peripheral vision, which is often affected early in glaucoma. During this test, you'll be asked to look straight ahead while small lights or targets are presented in your peripheral vision. You'll indicate when you see them, allowing the doctor to map out your visual field.

5. Gonioscopy: This test evaluates the drainage angle of your eye, which is important for assessing the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. A special lens is used to examine the drainage structures of the eye.

6. Corneal Thickness Measurement: The thickness of your cornea may be measured using a technique called pachymetry. Thinner corneas are associated with an increased risk of developing glaucoma.

7. Imaging Tests: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) are imaging techniques that can provide detailed images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, helping to detect early signs of glaucoma.

8. Dilation: Your doctor may dilate your pupils with eye drops to get a better view of the inside of your eyes, including the optic nerve and retina.

9. Discussion of Findings and Recommendations: Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will discuss their findings with you, including whether there are any signs of glaucoma or an increased risk of developing the condition. They may recommend further monitoring, treatment, or lifestyle modifications as needed.