Evaluation and Diagnosis
Screening for glaucoma can be done during a routine eye exam. The intraocular pressure is measured and a slit-lamp exam is performed, which is a microscopic exam of the anterior aspect of the eye. In addition, the optic nerve is examined for any evidence of abnormalities (cupping).
If the examination is suspicious for glaucoma, more specific studies can be done. These include visual field testing, optic nerve photography, and OCT (optical coherence tomography). These studies may not only help make the diagnosis of glaucoma, but help establish a baseline. Glaucoma in its most common form is a slowly progressive disease. Therefore, establishing a baseline helps assess the rate of disease progression and aid in the selection of treatment options.
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