Each and every glaucoma patient has the same question: “Will I go Blind?” And fortunately, the answer for most patients is no. While total blindness is always a possibility with glaucoma, it is fairly rare, with just 120,000 cases of blindness in the United States compared to 2.3 million cases of glaucoma. This represents just 5% of all glaucoma patients in the U.S.
Vision loss, on the other hand, is much more likely.
Even with the best treatment, some degree of vision loss can still occur. The key to successful treatment and minimal vision loss is early detection. And because glaucoma presents no detectable symptoms in its earliest stages, the only way to catch the eye disease early is with regular visits with your eye doctor – ophthalmologist or optometrist.
Diagnosing Glaucoma
During your routine eye exam, your eye doctor tests you for glaucoma. There are several ways in which your eye doctor can diagnose glaucoma, including:
- Non-Contact Tonometry (NCT): You may know this test as the “puff of air” test. This is used to calculate Intraocular Pressure (IOP) based on your eye’s resistance to the air. Normal intraocular pressure (IOP) ranges between 12 and 22 mmHg (millimeters of mercury, a measurement of pressure). If you have high eye pressure, you may be at risk for or have glaucoma.
- Visual Field Test: This diagnostic test checks a patient’s side or peripheral vision for blind spots, known as scotomas, which can originate as a result of glaucoma.
- Cupping: Your eye doctor will look for damage to your optic nerve, known as “cupping,” which can occur with or without high intraocular pressure.
- Pupil Dilation: Your doctor may use dilating drops to enlarge the pupil. And once the drops have taken effect, your eye doctor will use various instruments to look inside your eye.
Anne Arundel Eye Center: Your Annapolis Glaucoma Specialists
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Samuel Boles and the eye care experts at the Anne Arundel Eye Center specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. In fact, Dr. Boles has helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. He is also passionate about educating patients and their families regarding prevention and treatment.
“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor,” said Dr. Boles.
To learn more about Glaucoma, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
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Source: Understand Your Glaucoma Diagnosis Glaucoma Research Foundation