Glaucoma Screening

What is Glaucoma Screening?

1️⃣ Definition

  • Glaucoma screening is a set of tests used to detect early signs of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure (intraocular pressure – IOP).

2️⃣ Why is Screening Important?

  • Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness.
  • Early detection can prevent vision loss with timely treatment.

3️⃣ Who Should Get Screened?

  • People over 40, especially those with a family history of glaucoma.
  • Individuals with diabetes, high eye pressure, or previous eye injuries.
  • Patients experiencing blurry vision, eye pain, or halos around lights.

Doctor’s Procedure:

4️⃣ Intraocular Pressure (IOP) Check (Tonometry Test)

  • Measures eye pressure using:
    • Non-contact tonometry (puff test) – Quick air puff test.
    • Applanation tonometry – A more precise test using a Goldmann tonometer.

5️⃣ Optic Nerve Evaluation

  • A dilated eye exam or optic nerve imaging helps detect early nerve damage.
  • Fundus photography captures images of the optic nerve for monitoring.

6️⃣ Visual Field Test (Perimetry)

  • Checks for blind spots or peripheral vision loss, a common glaucoma symptom.
  • Patients focus on a central target while identifying flashing lights in different areas.

7️⃣ Gonioscopy (Angle Examination)

  • A special lens examines the eye drainage angle to distinguish between:
    • Open-angle glaucoma (slow, progressive pressure buildup).
    • Closed-angle glaucoma (sudden, severe eye pressure increase).

8️⃣ OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)

  • A high-tech scanning test that measures optic nerve thickness.
  • Helps detect nerve damage before vision loss occurs.

9️⃣ Follow-Up & Risk Assessment

  • If glaucoma is detected or suspected, regular monitoring is essential.
  • Medications, laser therapy, or surgery may be recommended based on severity.

🔟 Prevention & Eye Health Maintenance

  • Regular eye exams every 1–2 years for early glaucoma detection.
  • Lifestyle changes like maintaining healthy blood pressure, avoiding smoking, and regular exercise may reduce risk.