ocular hypertension

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye condition – or more accurately a group of eye conditions – that stems from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for carrying visual signals to the brain. But what you want to know is “Can I Have Increased Eye Pressure and NOT Have Glaucoma?” The answer is Y-E-S, yes.

Ocular Hypertension: Increased Eye Pressure without Glaucoma

Normal eye pressure is 12-21 mm Hg. Anything above 21 is considered elevated.

There is a large group of people called “ocular hypertensives,” who have increased IOP, but do not suffer the optic nerve damage associated with glaucoma. However, while these individuals may not have optic nerve damage or glaucoma right now, that doesn’t mean they cannot develop these issues down the road. In fact, ocular hypertension is one of the leading risk factors of glaucoma. This is why it is important for people with ocular hypertension to receive regular examinations and visual field tests.

Currently, 4-7% of the United States population over the age of 40 is suffering from ocular hypertension.

Glaucoma Treatment in Maryland

The Anne Arundel Eye Center is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, AAEC offers complete ophthalmic exams, as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care.

Dr. Boles and his caring and attentive staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor.” – Dr. Boles

If you have any questions about Glaucoma Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), please contact Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or Click Here to fill out our contact form.

You can also follow AAEC on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

To test for glaucoma – an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve and peripheral vision – patients identified as at-risk for the condition will undergo a visual field test. For those who have been previously diagnosed with glaucoma, visual field testing is required to track the progression of the disease, monitor potential loss to the visual field, and adjust treatment approaches to ensure proper management of the condition.

Visual field tests evaluate both central and peripheral sight through a series of subjective examinations that measure the entire scope of an individual’s vision. They are utilized to help determine the total area in which objects can be seen in the peripheral vision while the eye is focused on a central point. Separately mapping the visual fields of both eyes, it requires the patient to understand and actively participate in the entire test to ensure accurate results.

Considered the gold standard for diagnosing glaucoma, automated perimetry – which is the measurement of visual fields – is one of the most commonly used methods of visual field testing. An advanced computerized examination issued by a trained technician, visual field testing requires the patient to look inside of a concave dome, where white lights of varying intensity will flash one at time in different places around the dome. With one eye covered, the examinee is instructed to press a button when he detects a light, which transmits a signal to the computer, allowing it to adjust the flashes by making them brighter or dimmer. The patient’s reactions help to determine if a visual field defect is present in his eyesight.

Visual field testing is recommended for glaucoma suspects and those who have already been diagnosed with the condition in order to track the progression of the disease on patient eyesight; it is covered by most healthcare insurance plans.

Those at risk for developing glaucoma include those with:

High Myopia (nearsightedness)

Ocular Hypertension (elevated eye pressure)

Thin Cornea – Central corneal thickness less than .5 mm

At Anne Arundel Eye Center, we offer visual field testing for patients with glaucoma or for those who might be at risk for glaucoma, and our doctors are dedicated to educating and informing patients about their condition while offering inclusive treatment and prevention plans.

To learn more about Visual Field Testing for Glaucoma, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, or consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank, and Dr. Corinne Casey, the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

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Visual Field Test