Glaucoma Exam

Glaucoma is a disease that occurs when pressure inside the eye increases to a dangerous point causing damage to the optic nerve. Patients suffering from glaucoma suffer from a decreasing level of peripheral or side vision. Eventually, glaucoma will allow only a pin-hole of sight resulting in blindness. It is caused when the fluid in the eye is either not draining properly or the eye is producing too much fluid. It is a completely silent thief of sight that can only be detected by a special eye exam. Early detection is most certainly the best means of preventing blindness from glaucoma. 

Patients are given eye-numbing drops allowing a machine with a round lighted circle to press against the eye without any pain or discomfort. This measures the pressure within the eye. If pressure is high, additional tests may be administered to determine if glaucoma is the diagnosis. Glaucoma treatments can range from eye drops to surgery with the goal of reducing pressure in the eye and stopping the progression of the glaucoma.