Glaucoma is a disease that causes damage to the optic nerve, which carries information from your eye to your brain. If untreated, it can lead to peripheral vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye.
In the early stages of the disease, there are usually no symptoms. Routine screening eye exams are therefore important to check for signs of glaucoma, in order to detect the disease early and begin treatment before significant vision loss occurs.
How is glaucoma diagnosed?
To evaluate your eyes for glaucoma, your ophthalmologist will check your eye pressure and examine the drainage angle of your eye and your optic nerve. Further testing, if indicated, would include measuring your corneal thickness and using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to take more detailed measurements of your optic nerve to assess for any damage and track the progression of the disease. Glaucoma affects your peripheral vision and computerized peripheral vision testing is performed to help diagnose and monitor the disease.
How is glaucoma treated?
Early detection of glaucoma is important to prevent vision loss and blindness. Depending on your type and stage of glaucoma, it may be treated with eye drops, lasers, or surgery. After a thorough examination of your eyes, your ophthalmologist can discuss with you what treatment option is best for you.