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GLAUCOMA SCREENING

Glaucoma is defined as a progressive optic neuropathy that is associated with visual field loss and usually raised intraocular pressure (IOP).

Eye Pressure Check.

The Intraocular Pressure Measurement is another important eye assessment utilized by an optometrist. This test checks to see if there is any abnormal pressure in the eye. The presence of abnormal pressure in the eyes may be an early sign of glaucoma.

 

Increased eye pressure is the most important risk factor for glaucoma. It is considered as one of the “vital signs” when you visit your eye doctor. You can think of high eye pressure as a risk factor for glaucoma just like high blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke. The eye pressure test is called tonometry which a tiny instrument contacts the surface of the eye. It is painless and quick, but does require your cooperation.  Knowing this is helpful because if you are not fully relaxed at the time of measurement, the reading can be misleading. It is also important to continue breathing during the measurement.

Eye Pressure Check

Optic Disc Check

 

Glaucoma results in irreversible loss of nerve fibres, leading to an appearance of “cupping” or an increased vertical cup-to-disc ratio (C/D ratio).

Optic Disc Check

It is important to have your eyes examined regularly. You should get a baseline eye screening at age 40. Early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may start to occur at this age

 

All optometrists, are expected to diagnose the condition or at least to recognize that a problem exists and refer the patient to ophthalmologist. Since a high proportion of glaucoma cases are undiagnosed in the community, early glaucoma detection remains a challenge. Strategies to improve screening for glaucoma and glaucoma detection in everyday practice are necessary in order to ensure that the potential benefits arising from early treatment will be implemented.

 

It's advisable to have glaucoma screening once to two years but it's best to attend earlier if any eye problems occur or if advised by us your optometrist. Any abnormalities detected we will refer to ophthalmologist for further treatment.

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