Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss, often progressing without symptoms until vision loss is severe. At Vista Eye Specialists, our team of a board-certified and fellowship-trained ophthalmologist and medical optometrists provides comprehensive screenings to help detect and treat glaucoma early. With locations in Fredericksburg and Culpeper, VA, we use the latest innovative technologies to help our patients protect their vision and quality of life.
The Importance of Early Detection
According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, it is estimated that more than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half are aware of it.
This lack of awareness underscores the importance of regular eye examinations, as early stages of glaucoma often present no symptoms. By the time you experience vision changes, significant and irreversible damage may have already occurred.
Regular screenings can identify glaucoma before it affects your vision, allowing timely treatment to preserve your sight.
What to Expect During a Glaucoma Screening
A glaucoma screening may involve several tests, which can include:
Measuring Intraocular Pressure (Tonometry)
This test evaluates pressure within the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP.) High IOP can be a major glaucoma risk factor. A commonly used method to check eye pressure is the air puff test (non-contact tonometry,) which gently blows a small puff of air onto the eye to determine IOP.
Another technique, Goldmann Applanation Tonometry, uses a special tonometer and numbing drops to provide a highly accurate reading. It involves placing a yellow drop (fluorescein) in your eyes. This helps make your tear vision more prominent under blue light. Then, the test involves lightly touching the tear film with the tonometer to check eye pressure. Detecting high eye pressure early allows for intervention before optic nerve damage occurs.
Examining the Optic Nerve (Ophthalmoscopy)
Optic nerve damage is a key indicator of glaucoma. During ophthalmoscopy, a specialized magnifying instrument examines the back of your eye where the optic nerve is located. This test helps detect changes in the optic nerve’s shape, color, or thinning.
Visual Field Test (Perimetry)
Glaucoma often affects peripheral (side) vision before central vision, making visual field testing a crucial part of screening. The perimetry test maps your field of vision by asking you to look straight ahead while identifying lights appearing in different areas. This test detects blind spots and vision loss patterns that may suggest glaucoma progression.
Advanced Imaging (Optical Coherence Tomography – OCT)
OCT is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that provides a highly detailed view of the retina and optic nerve. This non-invasive scan captures cross-sectional images of the eye to measure the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer. Since glaucoma often causes this layer to thin before noticeable vision loss occurs, OCT is a crucial tool for early detection.
Glaucoma Screenings in Fredericksburg and Culpeper
If you are wondering whether you need a glaucoma screening, call Vista Eye Specialists at 540-208-5827. Our team provides expert care in Fredericksburg and Culpeper, VA, to help protect your vision.
