How Is Glaucoma Screening Done?

Glaucoma is a term that refers to a group of eye conditions that have a detrimental effect on the optic nerve. These conditions develop gradually, and their symptoms only present when it is too late. They are only detectable when an eye doctor performs a comprehensive eye exam.

For treatment to be effective and preserve vision, early detection is essential. Early detection also allows the eye doctor to slow down the progression of the conditions. Glaucoma is usually a lifelong condition, but it is manageable even in old age.

Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma comes in several types. These are the main types of glaucoma:


 

• Open-angle Glaucoma

This type of glaucoma is also known as primary open-angle glaucoma. It is the most prevalent of all types of glaucoma. It occurs when the fluid in the eye fails to drain out correctly through the ocular drainage pathways. When the fluid in the eye's structure encounters a blockage, it causes pressure buildup.

Usually, this type of glaucoma develops slowly over long periods. It could take months or years before it reaches a critical point. It commonly affects both eyes simultaneously and often does not cause vision change at first.


 

• Narrow-angle Glaucoma or Closed-angle Glaucoma

This type is also known as angle-closure glaucoma. It is least common in the United States. Commonly, it affects one eye at a time and rarely affects both eyes. This glaucoma happens when drainage canals in the ocular structure are covered up. Closed-angle glaucoma comes in two primary forms:

 

• Acute - This type causes the eye pressure to build up very quickly. It is an emergency because the patients can lose their vision in hours. It needs prompt treatment if it occurs.
   

• Chronic - This type develops relatively slowly, and there are usually no symptoms until the damage is severe.

What Happens in a Glaucoma Screening?

The diagnosis occurs through a variety of tests in a comprehensive eye exam. An eye specialist at Parkside Eye Care carries it out, which will most commonly include:

Tonometry

A tonometry test utilizes a slit lamp and a puff of air to the eye. It is relatively painless, but the eye doctor will usually apply numbing eye drops to ensure you are comfortable. Typically, you rest your chin and forehead on the slit lamp. Then the eye doctor blows a puff of air into your eye using a tonometer. This test measures the pressure in the eye.

Pachymetry

This test utilizes a device known as a pachymeter to measure the thickness of your cornea since a very thin cornea predisposes you to glaucoma. Though it is generally painless, the eye doctor will use numbing eye drops.

Perimetry

This is also a visual field test because it measures your peripheral vision. Usually, the eye doctor will ask you to focus on a screen, and an image will move in from the side. You are supposed to say when you notice the moving image.

Gonioscopy

This test utilizes numbing and dilating eye drops. The eye doctor will use a unique contact lens to view the inside of your eye.

Dilated Eye Test

The eye doctor will put eye drops to dilate your pupil. Then they will use a lens and light to look at your optic nerve.

For more on glaucoma screening, visit Parkside Eye Care at our office in Cary, North Carolina. You can also call (919) 883-9987 to book an appointment today.