If we’ve said it once we’ve said it…well, a lot. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing glaucoma, as it must be managed over the course of one’s life, and high IOP must be controlled on a daily basis. Treatment successfully preserves vision 95% of the time or more, especially when the condition is caught early. For these reasons, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exams accordingly:
- Before Age 3: Your child should have his or her eyes screened during regular pediatric appointments.
- Between 3-19: Eye exams every one to two years during regular pediatric or family physician check-up appointments.
- Between 20-39: Have a complete eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39.
- Between 40-64: People should have a baseline eye disease screening at age 40. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.
- Over 65: Seniors should have complete eye exams every one to two years.
During your eye exam your doctor will not only evaluate your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses, but also inspect your eyes for common eye diseases and other problems that could lead to vision loss, such as glaucoma. One way your eye doctor accomplishes this is with what is known as the Visual Field Test.
Diagnosing Glaucoma: It All Starts with a Visual Field Test
You may know it as the “clicky test,” but we like to call it the Visual Field Test. Patients are asked to click a button every time they see a spot flash onto the screen. This subjective measure of central and peripheral vision (side vision) is used by eye doctors to diagnose vision loss due to glaucoma and, in turn, monitor glaucoma progression.
A person can lose as much as 40% of his or her vision before it becomes detectable. This is why nearly half of the more than 70 million people suffering from glaucoma are completely unaware they have an eye problem.
The Anne Arundel Eye Center: Diagnosing Glaucoma in Annapolis, Maryland
The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. Board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles and his staff have helped preserve thousands of patients’ vision. They can help you too. Staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals, Anne Arundel Eyes Center’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.
If you have any questions about Glaucoma Treatment or wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010 or by contacting us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!
For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.
Sources:
Why Do I Need a Visual Field Test?, Glaucoma Research Foundation
