Exams & Tests

Early detection is the key
It is estimated that nearly half of the three million Americans who have glaucoma are unaware of it. That is why regular examinations- even when you have no symptoms- are so important. The simple air-puff test offered free at many community health fairs measures pressure within the eye. However, elevated eye pressure is not always a sign of glaucoma; additionally, approximately one-third of those who develop glaucoma do not have elevated eye pressure.

A far better precaution is a professional eye exam which includes pupil dilation and inner eye examination by ophthalmoscope, as performed by Eye Centers of Florida. If you are over 40, we recommend you have your eyes professionally checked for glaucoma every year.

How is glaucoma detected?

Glaucoma is detected through a Comprehensive Eye Exam, which may include:

• Measuring your intraocular pressure (tonometry)
• Inspecting the drainage angel of your eye (gonioscopy)
• Evaluating whether or not there is any optic nerve damage (ophthalmoscopy)
• Testing the peripheral vision of each eye (visual field testing or perimetry)

Photography of the optic nerve or other computerized imaging may be recommended. Some of these tests will not be necessary for everyone.

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