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Home » McCormick Vision Source – Our Eye Care Services » Management of Ocular Diseases » Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

Glaucoma Testing & Treatment

Glaucoma - Why Miss Anything? Eye Doctor, Austin, TX

Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in older individuals in the United States and Canada and the second leading cause of blindness in the World, even more than macular degeneration.

What is Glaucoma exactly?

Glaucoma Illustration - Optometrist - Austin, TXIt's often associated with a buildup of pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma tends to be inherited and you should get yourself checked if others in your family have been diagnosed with this disorder. Over time, glaucoma will cause permanent loss of vision and without treatment, glaucoma can cause total permanent blindness within a few years.

Are you at high risk for Glaucoma?

While everyone is at risk for Glaucoma, there are segments of the population who are at a greater risk, in addition to people with medical histories that can be contributing factors

  • African Americans have a 6 to 8 times greater likelihood to be affected by glaucoma. It is recommended that African Americans get tested for Glaucoma annually after the age of 35.
  • Hispanics, particularly over the age of 60, are at an increased risk for glaucoma
  • Asians and people of Asian descent are at a higher risk for glaucoma.
  • Anyone with a family history of glaucoma has an elevated risk factor, especially if you are over age 40.
  • Anyone with an eye injury, from a foreign object entering the eye, or a bruise, such as from a baseball or a punch, has a higher risk for glaucoma.
  • Other medical factors that increase your risk for glaucoma include, diabetes, high blood pressure, migraines, and poor blood circulation

Maybe you need a Glaucoma Test?

What is a Glaucoma test? Glaucoma testing involves measuring internal eye pressure and a detailed scan of the retina for signs of disease.

  • 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 so.
  • Glaucoma Quote - Eye Doctor, Austin, TXEye doctors can use a number of tests for eye pressure but will, by default, check for signs of glaucoma as part of a detailed exam
  • An examination of the retina—the light sensitive area at the back of the eye responsible for processing images is only the true way you will know you have Glaucoma.

How Does Glaucoma Testing Work?

There are two types of Glaucoma tests that measure the internal pressure of the eye but one is much more accurate than the other.

One glaucoma test involves measuring what happens when a puff of air is blown across the surface of the eye. (A puff test) Another test uses a special device (in conjunction with eye-numbing drops) to “touch” the surface of the eye to measure eye pressure.
While increased eye pressure is a key indicator of the disease, it does not necessarily mean you have a glaucoma diagnosis. In fact, 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 actually involves examining the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye for signs of the disease.

Learn More About Our Glaucoma Specialist In North Austin, TX

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.

Special thanks to the EyeGlass Guide for informational material that aided in the creation of this website. Visit the EyeGlass Guide today!