When you attend your routine eye examinations, your eye doctor will perform several tests. Some of these tests will check for glaucoma. If your doctor has reason to believe, based off of these tests, that glaucoma may be present, you will be asked to come back for further testing. Patients who are suspected of having glaucoma are usually referred to a specialist in the area. It is important to listen to the advice of your eye doctor because glaucoma can result in permanent vision loss when not treated.
What Happens at a Glaucoma Consultation?
A glaucoma consultation generally takes place in your ophthalmologist’s office. This can take up to an hour, depending on the tests needed. You will be asked a series of questions about your general health, family history of glaucoma, and previous eye disease. This is the time to tell your doctor about any symptoms you have been experiencing. Glaucoma does not generally present symptoms so this could be a different issue.
During the glaucoma consultation, your doctor may perform the following tests:
- Pachymetry: This is done to measure the thickness of the center of the cornea
- Gonioscopy: This allows your doctor to examine the inner workings of the eye’s drainage system.
- Visual Field Test: This determines if any of your vision has been affected, and helps the doctor to determine the stage of the disease
- OCT: This allows your ophthalmologist to get a good look at the optic nerve to assess any damage and use as a reference for future appointments.
- Tonometry: This measures the pressure inside of the eye.
Based on your results, your surgeon will be able to make the correct diagnosis. From there, a treatment method can be chosen!
If you have not had an eye examination in a while, or if you have noticed changes in your vision, it’s time to schedule your appointment with Dr. Cheema. Remember that glaucoma often progresses without symptoms so early detection is key.
