Various eye tests allow eye doctors to not only identify when a senior has glaucoma, but also allows them to track the progress of the eye disease to prescribe the best treatment methods.

Measuring Intraocular Pressure

Glaucoma occurs when there is a build up of aqueous fluid in the eye, which creates excessive levels of intraocular pressure (IOP). A normal level is around 20 mmHg; any pressure above this can cause serious damage to the optic nerve, resulting in loss of peripheral vision and even blindness. A totometer allows eye doctors to track the IOP of a senior’s eye, by placing it right against the surface of the eyeball. Of course, numbing eye drops are used before the procedure begins. Not only can this be used to diagnose glaucoma, it can also be used to determine if treatment techniques, like eye drops to reduce pressure, are working effectively.

Eyesight and Vision Tests

Visual field testing is the main test used to monitor loss of eyesight and peripheral vision. The patient is asked to look into a machine, and press a button every time a blinking light is visible. By tracking what the patient was able to see, any eye doctor can learn where blind spots are occurring, or if their peripheral vision has been impacted.

Tracking Damage

Since the optic nerve can be damaged as a result of glaucoma, it’s important that professionals monitor how the disease is progressing and determine if treatment methods, like eye drops or surgeries, are working effectively. Various imaging techniques allow eye doctors to assess damage to the optic nerve, and an ultrasound biomicroscopy allows them to map the flow of aqueous fluid in the eye.

Source: AllAboutVision.com

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