Glaucoma Screening

Different Types of Glaucoma Screening Tests

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can cause vision loss if left untreated. It usually develops gradually without showing symptoms until significant damage has occurred. However, with glaucoma screening and eye disease management tests, you can detect and treat it early, slow, or even stop its progression. Various types of glaucoma screening tests can help detect the early signs of the condition. At Visionary Eye Care, we would like to explore common glaucoma screening tests you can get from our optometrist in Elizabeth City, NC. 

glaucoma

Tonometry Test

Tonometry is a crucial test that can help screen and diagnose glaucoma. It is a quick, painless procedure that can be done in your eye doctor’s office. It involves measuring the pressure in your eye, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), to detect the early signs of glaucoma. During this test, your eye doctor may use different instruments, such as the air puff and Goldmann methods, to measure your IOP. If any of these instruments show an elevated level of IOP, it often indicates the presence of glaucoma. If you are at risk of glaucoma, a tonometry test is a good start for you.

 

Visual Field Testing

Visual field testing allows for early intervention and treatment of glaucoma. It helps detect damage to the optic nerve by measuring your peripheral vision. A damaged optic nerve often signifies glaucoma. It is an effective test that can detect even small changes in your vision, often a hallmark sign of glaucoma. Your eye doctor may recommend this test if they suspect you might be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma.

 

Genetic Testing

For those who have a family history of glaucoma, your optometrist may suggest you undergo genetic testing. This procedure is done to detect genes that could be associated with an increased risk of glaucoma. These genes include MYOC, OPTN, and WDR36. You should note that having these genes does not guarantee you will develop glaucoma. It is still entirely possible for someone to get the disease despite not having any mutated genes.

 

Pachymetry

Pachymetry measures the cornea, giving your eye doctor valuable information to help them identify glaucoma. During this non-invasive and painless test, a probe will be used to measure the thickness of the cornea. A thick cornea can interfere with readings taken when assessing intraocular pressure. By accurately gauging corneal thickness with a pachymetry test, it is possible to adjust these readings to make accurate glaucoma assessments.

 

Get Proper Glaucoma Screening in Elizabeth City, NC

You can develop glaucoma when you least expect it and when unaware. However scary it may sound, you can detect and treat it earlier through our eye disease management team in Visionary Eye Care. We will recommend the most effective glaucoma screening tests to help determine how further the disease has progressed and whether you are at risk of developing it. Call us today at (252) 512-5004 or schedule an appointment to prevent possible vision loss and improve your eye health.

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