Glaucoma Testing

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Glaucoma Testing

Glaucoma is the generalized name for a group of eye diseases that damage the eye's optic nerve, preventing the eye from sending accurate visual information to the brain.

Glaucoma tests are designed to test your eyes for one of the acute symptoms of the disease—increased eye pressure—however, only a comprehensive eye exam can reveal whether or not you have glaucoma. Increased pressure inside the eye is often a key indicator of glaucoma, though not exclusively.

Eye doctors can use several tests for eye pressure but will, by default, check for signs of glaucoma as part of a detailed examination of the retina—the light-sensitive area at the back of the eye responsible for processing images.

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How Does Glaucoma Testing Work?

A glaucoma test is usually part of a routine eye exam.

While increased eye pressure is a key indicator of the disease, it does not necessarily mean you have a glaucoma diagnosis. The only way to detect glaucoma is to have a detailed, comprehensive eye exam that often includes dilation of the pupils.

So “true” glaucoma testing involves examining the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye for signs of the disease.

Glaucoma can cause slight to severe vision loss and is often discovered only after the disease is present—that’s why glaucoma testing is so important.