Diagnosing Glaucoma

Diagnosing Glaucoma

The key is to detect glaucoma early when a number of effective glaucoma treatments exist to preserve vision and prevent blindness.

Glaucoma Consultation

The goal of a Glaucoma Consultation is to assess whether you have or are at risk for glaucoma. At the time of your Glaucoma Consultation, one or more of these diagnostic tests may be performed. These tests are specific for each individual and not all patients need every test.

Glaucoma Diagnostic Testing Includes:

Heidelberg Retina Tomography (HRT):
This provides a computer generated three-dimensional map of the surface of the optic nerve to look for signs of damage from glaucoma. This test allows a very accurate comparison of your optic nerve from year to year.

HRT test

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
This provides computer-generated measurements of the retinal nerve fibers that join together to form the optic nerve. Damage to these fibers is an extremely sensitive marker for glaucoma. This test allows a very accurate comparison of your retinal nerve fibers from year to year.

Stereoscopic Photographs of the Optic Nerves:
This provides three-dimensional photographs of the surface of your optic nerves to look for signs of damage from glaucoma.

Clinical Photos of Optic Nerves


Normal                                                                          Glaucoma

Ophthalmoscopy:
This is a microscopic examination technique used to evaluate the optic nerves to look for signs of damage from glaucoma. This is best performed after pupil dilation.

Standard Visual Field:
This test uses white flashes of light on a white background to evaluate the peripheral vision in each eye. This allows detection of subtle changes to the vision of which you may not be aware and allows for monitoring of changes over time.

Sample of Visual Field Results:

Short Wavelength Visual Field (SWAP):
This test uses blue flashes of light on a yellow background to evaluate the peripheral vision in each eye. In certain patients this test may be more sensitive than a Standard Visual Field test.

Pachymetry:
This is a measurement of your corneal thickness. This test allows further interpretation of your intraocular pressure measurement.

Gonioscopy:

This is an inspection of the drainage area of your eye to determine if it is open, narrow or closed. A special mirrored lens is used to view this structure.

Gonioscopy Diagram

Drainage Angle       Drainage Angle
Unblocked                  Blocked