Glaucoma Specialist

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a cluster of related eye conditions that are typically caused by a buildup of fluid in the front of your eye. The fluid accumulation leads to high pressure in your eye that can damage your optic nerve.

Your optic nerve is made up of around one million nerve fibers that transmit signals from your eye to your brain. Some of these nerve fibers may be lost due to the persistent high pressure from glaucoma. And if the deterioration continues, vision loss can occur, which can be irreversible.

There are different forms of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common type, where damage to the optic nerve happens painlessly and gradually.

Glaucoma is a disease that takes place over time, so staying up-to-date with regular eye exams and being proactive with your eye health will allow Dr. Amin and Dr. Hardy to detect any signs of glaucoma before it progresses.

How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Your comprehensive eye exam will check for glaucoma using certain tests, including:

Side Vision

A side vision test, also called a visual field test, involves measuring your peripheral and central vision. An early indication of glaucoma is diminishing peripheral vision.

Tonometry

During a tonometry test, your doctor uses an instrument called a tonometer to measure any pressure in your eyes. Pressure is a key sign of glaucoma.

Visual Acuity

With a visual acuity test, you read a standardized eye chart that allows your doctor to assess your scope of vision at various distances.

Pachymetry

With a corneal pachymetry test, your doctor uses a pachymeter to measure the thickness of your cornea. Your cornea is the transparent layer that forms the front of each eye.

Dilated Eye Exam

Your doctor may use eye drops to dilate your pupils and evaluate the back of your eyes to check for signs of optic nerve or retina damage.

Who is at risk for glaucoma?

Anyone can develop glaucoma. If you have thinner corneas, you have an increased risk. Other factors that can heighten your risk of developing glaucoma include:

• Being over age 60
• Having a family history of glaucoma
• Having a significant eye injury
• Being diabetic

Glaucoma treatments can include medication or surgery to reduce the pressure on your eye and slow the progression of the disease.

Book your glaucoma evaluation online or call Advanced Vision & Achievement Center for customized optometry care.