Diagnosing Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve of your eye through the buildup of pressure. The increased eye pressure is technically known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Intraocular pressure damages your optic nerve and sends your brain images. Further damage can cause vision loss or complete blindness over time.

Risk Factors

Glaucoma is common among adults above 40 years old, but young adults and children can also have it. Infants can suffer from it as well. You are likely to get it if you:

Have high eye pressure
Have heart disease, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Have thin corneas
Have poor vision
Have a glaucoma family history
Take steroid medication that can affect eye pressure
Take medication for seizures, bladder control, or cold remedies

Symptoms of Glaucoma

If you have any of the following symptoms, visit your doctor for a checkup:

Vision loss
Eye pain
Stomach upset
Vomiting
Hazy-looking eyes
Eye redness
Seeing halos around lights

Your doctor can diagnose the condition after conducting several tests. Your optometrist will use a tonometry test to check for the pressure inside your eye. Numbing eye drops will help during the process. A tonometer works by giving the eye pressure reading.

A dilated eye exam or ophthalmoscopy will help check the shape and color of your optic nerve. Once your pupils dilate, a magnifying device focuses on your nerve to look for the issue. Your doctor may also conduct a perimetry test. A visual field test allows your doctor to detect any links to the condition.

Your optometrist can use numbing eye drops to conduct a gonioscopy test. Your optimist will insert a contact lens in your eye. Doing so will examine the angle where your iris and cornea meet through the mirror of your lens. Finally, a pachymetry test works to measure how thick your cornea is. Your doctor will do the test by placing the pachymeter on your cornea.

Preventative Care for Glaucoma

Glaucoma preventative care starts with going for regular eye checkups. Your eye doctor can detect changes in your eye health during such checkups. Early detection hinders progression that leads to vision loss. Also, know your family's eye health history. If you discover you are at risk of getting an eye problem, go for regular screenings.

Engage in exercises that can help lower intraocular pressure inside your eye. Keeping up with moderate exercises is healthy. However, keep in mind that the pressure can only lower when you keep moving. Your IOP can increase once you stop moving. Consult your doctor about what exercises are suitable.

Cover your eyes with protective eyewear. Glaucoma can develop because of eye trauma. Ensure your eyes are away from harm's way to avoid increasing your risk of developing eye injury. Eating a balanced diet that works to promote eye health is essential. Eat foods rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and dark green vegetables. Meals rich in omega-3 fatty acids also improve good eye health.

Use prescribed eye drops. Glaucoma eyedrops work to reduce eye pressure. Use your eyedrops even when you do not have any symptoms.

When to See a Doctor

Rush to your doctor or an emergency room immediately once you experience severe headache, blurry vision, or eye pain.

For more on diagnosing and preventive care for Glaucoma, contact Hunter Family Vision at our offices in Leawood and Prairie Village, Kansas. You can call (913) 681-8555 or (913) 381-2323 to book an appointment today. For after-hours urgent care, you can call (913) 204-0239.