The Eye Exam for Glaucoma: 6 Common Tests
Glaucoma is often called the "silent thief of sight," primarily because it can progress undetected until it significantly impairs vision. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of this disease, particularly for residents of Wetaskiwin and surrounding areas, where access to specialized eye care, like that offered at Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, plays a pivotal role in maintaining community health.
Understanding the tests that are part of an eye exam for glaucoma can demystify the process and encourage more people to undertake regular screenings. Here, we explore six standard tests integral to diagnosing glaucoma, ensuring you know what to expect and why each test matters.
Tonometry
The first line of defence in glaucoma screening is tonometry, a test that measures the pressure inside your eye or intraocular pressure (IOP). Elevated IOP is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. During this test, eye drops are used to numb the eye, and a small probe gently touches the eye's surface, or a puff of air is directed onto the eye. The eye's resistance to the puff of air or the probe helps determine the pressure inside the eye.
At Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, we use advanced tonometry techniques to ensure accurate measurements and patient comfort. Understanding your IOP levels can help us detect the possibility of glaucoma early on.
Ophthalmoscopy
This diagnostic procedure allows the optometrist to look at the back of your eye and examine the optic nerve for signs of damage. After dilating your pupils with eye drops, a light is shone through the pupil, and a magnifying glass or a particular device called an ophthalmoscope is used to inspect the colour and shape of the optic nerve.
If the optic nerve appears unusually cupped or the colour is not standard, it may suggest damage from glaucoma. This test is crucial as it helps visualise the part of the eye most affected by high intraocular pressure.
Perimetry
Also known as a visual field test, perimetry checks for areas of vision loss in your peripheral or side vision, which is often one of the first places glaucoma strikes. You will be asked to look straight ahead and indicate when a moving object enters your peripheral vision or when you see light flashes in your peripheral field.
This test helps map your visual field, identifying gaps in your field of view. Regular perimetry tests at Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin can help monitor the progression of glaucoma and adjust treatment as necessary.
Gonioscopy
This diagnostic exam helps determine whether the angle where the iris meets the cornea is open or closed, which is essential in diagnosing the type of glaucoma. A unique contact lens with a mirror is placed on the eye during gonioscopy after applying numbing drops. The lens allows the optometrist to see the angle in the eye to check if it’s open and wide or narrow and blocked.
Understanding the eye angle helps determine the appropriate treatment protocol and can guide decisions about possible surgical interventions.
Pachymetry
The thickness of the cornea can influence eye pressure readings; thicker corneas can read higher pressures and vice versa. Pachymetry is a simple and painless test used to measure the thickness of your cornea. A pachymeter probe is gently placed on the cornea’s surface to measure its thickness.
This measurement is crucial since it helps interpret intraocular pressure readings more accurately, providing a more refined assessment of one's risk for glaucoma.
Imaging Tests
Technological advancements have made it possible to use imaging techniques like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the structures within the eye. These images help detect changes in the optic nerve and other eye structures that a manual examination might miss.
At Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, we utilize state-of-the-art imaging technologies to complement traditional testing methods, providing a comprehensive assessment of eye health.
Understanding these six tests can alleviate some of the anxiety associated with eye exams and highlight the importance of regular check-ups, especially for those at increased risk of glaucoma. At Doctors Eyecare Wetaskiwin, we are committed to providing thorough, patient-centric care to our community in Wetaskiwin and beyond.
Remember, early detection through regular eye exams is your best defence against glaucoma and can help preserve your vision. Schedule your eye exam today and take an essential step towards safeguarding your eyesight for the future.
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