![]() ![]() They are absolutely necessary and are included in the “vital signs” of the eye exam. ![]() Some other contact tests include a corneal thickness test (pachymetry) and an “angle” test (gonioscopy). In addition, an examination of the central and peripheral retina will be performed. He or she will assess the shape, color, depth, size, and vessels of the optic nerve. This helps to determine the status of your optic nerves and glaucoma. In assessing your glaucoma, the ophthalmologist will dilate your eyes so that he or she can get a magnified, 3D view of your optic nerve. ![]() The Dilated Eye ExamĪ comprehensive evaluation will also include a dilated eye exam. Regardless of the modality your doctor chooses, the results become immediately available, which can be projected on a computer screen for discussion. Your pupils will be dilated using eye drops, and then the doctor will photograph your optic nerve with a digital camera, or use other technologies ( OCT) to map your optic nerve. The tests are non-invasive and involve no radiation. The glaucoma imaging tests are a reliable way for your doctor to monitor glaucoma progression. The visual field test needs to be repeated periodically, although the frequency may vary significantly depending upon your specific situation. There is no special preparation for the test, or any need to remove your contact lenses. Also, the test may require some learning experience, and therefore may need to be repeated. Your doctor will be able to tell you how severe your disease is based on this test.Īlthough the test is not painful, and it only takes a few minutes for each eye, if you are overly anxious or tired, you may not be able to perform the test reliably. The visual field test is considered a functional test, and allows your doctor to tell you if you have lost any field of vision from glaucoma, how much you have lost, and can help determine the rate of disease progression, which in turn will help to tailor the treatment. Knowing this is helpful because if you are not fully relaxed at the time of measurement, the reading can be misleading. It is also important to continue breathing during the measurement. It is painless and quick, but does require your cooperation. The eye pressure test is called tonometry, and the most common method is known as “applanation,” in which a tiny instrument contacts the surface of the eye after it is numbed with an eye drop. You can think of high eye pressure as a risk factor for glaucoma just like high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke. It is considered as one of the “vital signs” when you visit your eye doctor. Increased eye pressure is the most important risk factor for glaucoma. It is crucial to have some basic understanding of the tests for glaucoma so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options under the guidance of your doctor. In order to avoid such irreversible visual debilitation, it is important to have your eyes examined for glaucoma by an eye doctor, especially if you carry some of the known risk factors, such as family history of the disease. The current available treatments have been proven effective in slowing down the disease, but not in reversing optic nerve damage. The most common symptoms of advanced disease include side vision loss and diminished quality of vision, which can significantly impair daily activities, including driving. Patients with POAG most commonly experience no symptoms at all until the disease progresses to an advanced stage. The most common one is primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). There are many types of glaucoma classified by clinical exams. The optic nerve is the bundle of nerve fibers at the back of the eye that carry visual messages from the retina to the brain. Glaucoma is an umbrella term, which covers a group of diseases with a characteristic pattern of optic nerve damage. This article summarizes some of the tests that you may experience during an eye exam for glaucoma, including the visual field test, corneal thickness and angle tests, optic nerve imaging, and the eye pressure check. ![]()
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