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Home » Eye Care Services » Detection of Ocular Diseases » Glaucoma Testing

Glaucoma Testing

What Is a Glaucoma Test?

clipart 049Glaucoma is the generalized name for a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve of the eye, preventing the eye from sending accurate visual information to the brain. Glaucoma tests are designed to test your eyes for one of the key signs of the disease—increased eye pressure—however only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have glaucoma. Increased pressure inside the eye is often a key indicator of glaucoma, though not exclusively so. Optometrists can use a number of tests for eye pressure, but will, by default, check for signs of glaucoma as part of a detailed examination of the optic nerve and retina. An additional test called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Visual Field Test may also be performed to give your optometrist information about any potential damage done to your optic nerve because of the pressure.

How Does Glaucoma Testing Work?

A glaucoma test is usually part of a routine eye exam. Both types of glaucoma tests measure internal pressure of the eye.

One glaucoma test involves measuring what happens when a puff of air is blown across the surface of the eye (A puff test). Another test uses a special device (in conjunction with eye-numbing drops) to “touch” the surface of the eye to measure eye pressure.
 
While increased eye pressure is a key indicator of the disease, it does not necessarily mean you have a glaucoma diagnosis. In fact, the only way to detect glaucoma is to have a detailed, comprehensive eye exam that may include dilation of the pupils. An additional test called an OCT can measure the thickness of the optic nerve to assess for changes related to glaucoma, by comparing to others of your age group.
 
So “true” glaucoma testing actually involves examining the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye for signs of the disease.

Learn More

Glaucoma can cause slight to severe vision loss, and is often discovered only after the disease is present—that’s why glaucoma testing is so important.
 
 

Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide for informational material that aided in the creation of this website.