Diagnosing Glaucoma: What We Look For

 Glaucoma Treatment Ocala FLGlaucoma is a prevalent eye condition that presents a significant concern. One of the crucial factors about this disease is that it does not give us strong clues when it first develops. This is point one of interest. Another point of concern is that, without early detection through an in-depth eye exam, we don’t know that glaucoma has developed until a degree of vision has been lost. Because glaucoma steals vision by pressing on the optic nerve, there is no way to restore sight once is has diminished.

Don’t be a part of the 2.7 million glaucoma statistic. If there is a history of glaucoma in your family, you have diabetes, or you are over 40, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an experienced ophthalmologist. If you are in the Ocala area, we would love to see you here at Central Florida Eye Institute.

What is Involved in a Glaucoma Exam?

When the purpose of the eye exam is to screen for glaucoma, we will observe various parts of the eye to look for clues that the optic nerve may be under pressure. We do this by:

Measuring the pressure in your eyes

The term intraocular pressure describes the natural pressure that exists in the eyes. A tonometry test measures the degree of pressure in each eye quickly and comfortably (we apply numbing eye drops first). In a healthy eye, pressure may range from 12 to 21 mm Hg. Pressure more than that could indicate a higher risk for glaucoma. However, eye pressure in only one gauge for glaucoma, and a person with lower eye pressure may still have the disease.

Looking at the Optic Nerve

When the eyes are dilated, we can see the optic nerve using an ophthalmoscope. This special lens magnifies the optic nerve, allowing us to observe its color and shape. Usually, the optic nerve is round and has a pinkish rim around it. The central part of the nerve is generally somewhat depressed and yellow. When the central “cup” of the optic nerve is noticeably deep, we tend to suspect glaucoma.

Based on the results of these two glaucoma screenings, we may suggest further testing that observes your field of vision from the periphery to central fields. Corneal thickness may also be measured and analyzed in comparison to intraocular pressure. Finally, the angle between the cornea and the iris of the eye may be measured.

Don’t wait for symptoms of glaucoma to develop. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam in our Ocala office at (352) 237-8400.

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