Glaucoma Eye Exams

When you hear the term glaucoma eye exams, a series of tests that check eye pressure and nerve health to catch glaucoma early. Also known as glaucoma screening, these exams are a key defense against irreversible vision loss.

What’s Inside a Glaucoma Eye Exam

The core of any glaucoma eye exam revolves around three pillars. First, Intraocular Pressure Measurement, often called tonometry, gauges the fluid pressure inside the eye; normal values sit around 10‑21 mmHg, and anything higher flags risk. Second, Optic Nerve Imaging (such as OCT) captures a cross‑section of the optic disc, revealing thinning that precedes sight loss. Third, Visual Field Testing maps peripheral vision, spotting blind spots that pressure alone can’t show. Together they form a diagnostic trio that lets an eye doctor see both pressure spikes and structural damage.

Beyond these tests, a qualified ophthalmologist, the specialist who performs the exam, will also check corneal thickness with pachymetry and assess risk factors like family history, age, and ethnicity. People over 40, anyone with a sibling or parent diagnosed with glaucoma, or those who have had eye injuries should schedule an exam every one to two years. The process is quick—tonometry takes seconds, imaging a few minutes, and the visual field test about ten minutes—so you can fit it into a routine check‑up.

Armed with this background, you’ll know exactly what to expect when you walk into the clinic. The next section lists the articles that dive deeper into each test, compare different tonometry devices, explain how OCT images are read, and offer tips for preparing for a visual field test. Whether you’re a first‑timer or a seasoned glaucoma patient, the collection below will give you practical insights to make the most of your exam.