Glaucoma Screening

Very few people that have Glaucoma will have any symptoms and for this reason it has been called the “sneak thief of sight”. Even those with advanced Glaucoma maybe unaware they have lost a lot of vision. Early detection and treatment can vastly improve the prognosis.

There are a few ways that your eyes are checked for glaucoma: the front and back of your eyes are examined, the eyeball pressure measured, a visual field test and GDx exam are performed.

If there is any suspicion of glaucoma, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist. Glaucoma is most commonly treated with eye drops or occasionally an operation may be necessary.

GLAUCOMA GDx EXAM

The GDx exam scans the back of the eye, where the optic nerve comes into the eye, called the optic disc, and the area around it, and measures the thickness of this ‘retinal nerve fibre layer’ at 36,000 points.

The computer then charts the results as a map and compares the map to healthy eyes. An unusually thin layer might indicate glaucoma. This way of testing has been found to give useful, accurate information to help detect glaucoma earlier, and could help start treatment before any vision loss occurs.