Why it’s Important to Have Your Eyes Checked When Vision is Still Excellent: Glaucoma
Glaucoma, often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. In optometry clinics, glaucoma testing is crucial for identifying and managing this condition effectively.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, typically due to increased pressure within the eye. This damage can result in gradual peripheral vision loss and, if untreated, may progress to blindness.
Why is Glaucoma Testing Important?
Early Detection: In its early stages, Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms. Regular testing allows optometrists to detect the condition early, when treatment can be most effective in slowing or halting its progression- potentially sight saving.
Risk Assessment: Certain factors, such as age, family history, medications and certain medical conditions, increase the risk of developing glaucoma. Testing helps assess individual risk factors and determines the appropriate frequency of follow-up examinations.
Monitoring Progression: For individuals diagnosed with glaucoma, ongoing testing is essential to monitor disease progression and adjust treatment plans as needed to preserve vision.
What is Glaucoma Testing?
Glaucoma tests are performed to determine potential damage to the optic nerve, which may cause vision problems.
The testing process is painless and can include;
Tonometry: Measures the pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP), a key risk factor for glaucoma.
Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of the cornea. Thinner corneas carry an increased risk of glaucoma.
Ophthalmoscopy: Allows direct visualisation of the optic nerve to assess for signs of change or damage.
Visual Field Testing: Evaluates the sensitivity of central and peripheral vision to detect any loss associated with glaucoma.
Gonioscopy: Assesses the angle where the iris meets the cornea to assess the drainage system of the eye and determine the risk of angle-closure glaucoma.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retinal structures to aid in early diagnosis and monitoring.
The Role of Optometrists
Optometrists are trained to perform comprehensive glaucoma testing and interpret results accurately. They work closely with patients to develop management plans, which may include prescription eye drops, or further referral to an ophthalmologist.
Conclusion
Glaucoma testing is an essential component of comprehensive eye care in optometry clinics. By prioritising regular testing and early detection, optometrists play a vital role in preserving their patients' vision and overall quality of life.
At For Eyes Optometrist, we are committed to providing thorough glaucoma testing and personalised care to protect your vision. Schedule your appointment today at our Fremantle clinic to ensure your eyes remain healthy and vision clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
When would a glaucoma test be needed?
Glaucoma cannot be self-detected. Only an optometrist or an ophthalmologist can determine whether you have glaucoma. If glaucoma is untreated, it can cause irreversible vision loss.
The best way to protect your sight is to have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, including an optic nerve check, which is simple and painless.
How often should I have an eye test for glaucoma?
Glaucoma Australia recommends that all Australians 50 years or older visit an optometrist every two years for a comprehensive eye exam. If you have a family history of glaucoma or are of Asian or African descent, a comprehensive eye examination is recommended every two years from the age of 40.
If a family member has advanced glaucoma, you should have regular comprehensive eye examinations commencing ten years earlier than the age of diagnosis of the relative with glaucoma.
What do glaucoma test results mean?
The results of glaucoma tests such as intra ocular or eye pressure tests are available immediately. However, due to the complex nature of glaucoma, no single test will provide enough information to make a diagnosis.
Further tests or actions may be required, and the results of these tests will be explained along with recommended actions and follow-ups.
What is an optometrist's role in glaucoma care?
Optometrists provide comprehensive primary eye care. They can assess, diagnose, and co-manage a range of ocular diseases. They are often the first person to detect possible glaucoma and will then refer to an ophthalmologist to confirm the diagnosis. A therapeutically endorsed optometrist can make an initial diagnosis and initiate treatment prior to a patient being referred to an ophthalmologist, when it is in the patients best interest to do so.
What is Collaborative Care in Glaucoma Management?
It is becoming more common that optometrists such as For Eyes Optometrist participate in collaborative care. A collaborative care arrangement describes an interaction between ophthalmologists and optometrists in relation to the management of glaucoma for a patient.
There are several advantages to this model of care, being:
Patient focused.
Implemented using evidenced based healthcare guidelines.
Provides the patient with access to the most appropriate healthcare provider in a timely fashion.
Ensured that patients have access to appropriate advice and the full range of treatment alternatives.
What happens if I have glaucoma?
Early detection and treatment can halt or significantly slow the progression of glaucoma.
Several treatment options are available. In most cases, these involve medications to reduce pressure in the eyes.
Other treatments also include laser treatment to facilitate fluid drainage, or implanted filtration devices, or other surgery that help drain fluid or other surgery. Only an ophthalmologist can perform glaucoma related eye surgery. For any treatment involving eye surgery, a referral will be made to an appropriate ophthalmologist for treatment advice.
