Detection and Diagnosis Of Glaucoma

Detection and Diagnosis

Early diagnosis by an ophthalmologist in the course of periodic eye examinations detects the disease. During a painless examination, the eye physician will determine the pressure of the eye. This is only a part of the examination for glaucoma. Using an instrument call an ophthalmoscope, the ophthalmologist will examine the back of the eye to see if the optic nerve is health. And confirm that no damage is occurring. Sometimes side vision will be tested for shrinkage or blind spots. Visual field tests. If necessary, other tests may be done in a glaucoma clinic.

On occasions, a patient will be found to have an eye pressure over the normal range, but no evidence damage from glaucoma. Some people seem to tolerate high eye pressures without ever suffering loss of vision. However, in these cases, it is important for the ophthalmologist to consider other causes which may add to a person’s risk of developing damage from glaucoma. A history of glaucoma in the family, or general health problems such as diabetes, hardening of the arteries or anemia are examples of risk factors. African American and Arab patients are also at an increased risk for glaucoma. The ophthalmologist’s must weigh all these factors before deciding whether a patient needs a treatment for glaucoma, or whether the patient should be monitored closely as a glaucoma suspect since the risk of developing glaucoma is higher than normal.