Glaucoma is the main cause of blindness in the world, and according to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, everyone is at risk for developing glaucoma. At Advanced Vision & Achievement Center in Phoenix, highly skilled optometrists, Neha Amin, OD, FAAO, and Mary Hardy, OD, specialize in diagnosing glaucoma and other eye diseases. To get an evaluation, book an appointment online or over the phone today.
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.
Your comprehensive eye exam will check for glaucoma using certain tests, including:
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.
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.
With a visual acuity test, you read a standardized eye chart that allows your doctor to assess your scope of vision at various distances.
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.
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.
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:
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.
