Glaucoma is a group of disorders, all of which lead to damage to the nerve of vision (optic nerve) which serves to send vision information to the brain. An important and modifiable factor in this damage is eye pressure, which often becomes elevated due to a defect in the drainage of fluid out of the eye. Glaucoma causes loss of vision due to progressive damage to the optic nerve (nerve of vision). In this condition, the nerve damage is related to excess pressure in the eye.
At Advanced Eyecare, we offer a comprehensive system of glaucoma testing and monitoring.
When testing patients for glaucoma, we first measure eye pressure. Because pressure can vary somewhat naturally throughout the day, a series of measurements may be needed. Sometimes this is performed over a period of several hours (Serial tonometry).
Additionally, we usually look at the area where fluid drains out of the eye (called the trabecular meshwork) in some detail. That is done painlessly with a simple office procedure called a "gonioscopy."
Thirdly, the optic nerve is periodically examined for signs of damage in some detail. That can be done as part of a dilated exam, but we also take photos of the nerve and perform an OCT laser scan of the nerve (similar to an "optical" cat scan). These tests help pick up subtle changes in the nerve structure due to damage, at an earlier stage. These tests are done at our Runnemede office.
Fourthly, a "Visual Field" test is periodically performed. The visual field test allows us to directly measure and create a map of the areas where glaucoma may be damaging your vision. Sequential tests can show if vision loss is getting worse. In glaucoma, vision loss can gradually occur before we are aware of it, and the goal of therapy is to keep it at that stage. Once we are aware of vision problems, we cannot recover the vision already lost. These tests are also done at our Runnemede office.
Some of these tests are performed periodically, at least once per year, and eye pressure is measured more frequently, typically every three months. If you have or are suspected of having glaucoma, keeping your checkups is essential to avoid any further vision loss.
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