Glaucoma: Testing and Treatment to Prevent Vision Loss

Glaucoma is an umbrella term and there are several types. Glaucoma is a relatively common condition, and while it primarily affects those aged 40 and over, there are some forms of glaucoma that can affect younger people, too.

Signs and Symptoms of Glaucoma

Glaucoma often goes undetected, however advanced cases may present the following symptoms:

• Blindspots
• Blurred vision
• Tunnel vision
• Eye pain
• Severe headache
• Halos around lights
• Eye redness

Detecting and Testing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is diagnosed during regular eye exams. Diagnostic tests for glaucoma include:

• testing the pressure in the eye (tonometry),
• examination of the optic nerve (ophthalmoscopy, digital imaging, OCT),
• mapping your field of vision (perimetry),
• measuring the angle between the iris and the cornea (gonioscopy and OCT),
• and measuring the thickness of your cornea (pachymetry).

There are actually a number of different types of glaucoma, the majority of which are chronic conditions which tend to progress slowly over time. While most forms of glaucoma cannot be cured, there are a number of glaucoma treatment options which are available and we control the condition.

Glaucoma treatment

In many cases, eye drops can successfully reduce pressure on the optic nerve. There are many types of eye drops that work in different ways.

We may recommend laser treatments or surgery in cases of more advanced glaucoma, or when eye drops have failed to work. The type of surgery will depend on the individual and their condition. There are several types of surgery available, including a variety of laser surgeries and incisional surgeries. Our optometrists will discuss what glaucoma treatment options are optimal for your condition, and work with you to ensure long term goals are met.

Because vision loss as a result of glaucoma is irreversible, treatments are geared to prevent further vision loss. Our strong recommendation is to be screened regularly to prevent vision loss from glaucoma.

Book your glaucoma test today

We recommend that all patients are examined for glaucoma during routine exams, and that patients with risk factors such as family history receive regular testing for glaucoma.