What Is a Glaucoma Eye Test and Why Is It Important?

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that, if not treated, may cause irreversible vision loss. It is caused by high pressure within the eye causing damage to the optic nerve that transmits the visual data to the brain. Since early onset of glaucoma yields no considerable symptoms, someone needs to undergo regular glaucoma eye tests to be able to detect and treat it early. But What Is a Glaucoma eye test? Why do you have to have it? Here we start understanding.

A Glaucoma Eye Test

A glaucoma eye test comprises a battery of investigative procedures that are performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to ascertain the chances of developing glaucoma and to pick up its early symptoms. The tests associated with it include:

1. Tonometry (Eye Pressure Test)

Tonometry measures the pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP) to determine whether the pressure is higher than normal. High eye pressures are one of the prime risk factors for glaucoma. Some of the most commonly used methods are as follows:

Applanation Tonometry – A small probe flattens the cornea and measures the pressure.

Non-contact Tonometry (Air Puff Test) – It estimates eye pressure by puffing a strong blast of air at the exposed surface of the eye.

2. Ophthalmoscopy (Examination of the Optic Nerve)

Using a special instrument called an ophthalmoscope, the doctor is able to see the optic nerve. This test can identify any change to the optic nerve, potentially caused by the damage through glaucoma.

3. Perimetry (Visual Field Test)

This test maps your whole vision field, with peripheral vision loss being one of the early indicators of symptomatic glaucoma. The patient will need to sit behind a special device and focus on a central point while different lights flash in different areas of the visual field, indicating whether or not the patient can see them.

4. Gonioscopy (Angle Assessment Test)

The drainage angle of the eye is measured; it reveals whether the patient has open-angle (more common) or closed-angle (more acute and severe) glaucoma. A special lens is placed upon the eye to evaluate fluid drainage.

5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) or Retinal Imaging

OCT is an advanced imaging modality that goes beyond red-green photography and provides an illustration of what underlies the optic nerve and the retinal layers. In so doing, the doctor can assess destructive effects before clinical evidence appears.

Why Is It Important to Have a Glaucoma Eye Test?

1. Early Detection Prevents Vision Loss

Glaucoma is often said to be the "silent thief of sight" due to slow development over time without an evident symptom. The damage may become not reversible at the time loss of vision takes place. The earlier the detection by regular glaucoma screening, the better chance of intervention through treatment is when the condition is still most likely effectively treatable.

2. Glaucoma Is More Common Than You Think

Millions of mughs throughout the globe have glaucoma, most of them without knowing it. Herewith are some factors in risk: 

Age (more than 40)

Family history of glaucoma 

Increased eye pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure

History of eye injuries

Long-term use of steroid medications

3. Treatment Slow Progression 

Although there is no real treatment for glaucoma, a timely intervention can slow the disease significantly. Depending on the stage of the disease, it may include prescribing eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.

4. Protecting Your Vision Increases Quality of Life

If left unchecked, glaucoma can cause permanent blindness, which severely impairs independence and daily activities. Getting an eye test on an ongoing basis ensures that you are doing everything you can to keep the vision you have and, in turn, the quality of life that comes with it. And also don’t let damaged glasses ruin your day—get expert glasses repair Calgary for a perfect fix.

Conclusion

A glaucoma eye test is such an easy and straightforward procedure which on occasion can help catch the disease early and prevent loss of eyesight. Because of the fact that glaucoma usually progresses insidiously, regular screenings should be a priority, especially if you are at greater risk for developing the disease. If you haven't had an eye exam in some time, take the time to schedule one with your optometrist to protect your vision far into the future.