15/07/2025
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness. It is caused by pressure that is too high for the eye to handle. Typically onset is subtle and symptoms are not noticeable until significant vision loss has occurred. Glaucoma affects your field of vision, causing gradual loss, typically in the periphery (or edge) first.
If detected early, glaucoma can be managed and damage either slowed or prevented. Damage to the eye from glaucoma cannot be reversed or cured.
Since glaucoma is often asymptomatic early on, regular eye exams are essentialโespecially for people over 40 or with a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma is detected through many type of tests, all of which can be performed at Evolve Optometry. These include:
1. Tonometry: this measures intraocular pressure.
2. Fundoscopy: optic nerve examination with diagnostic lenses behind the microscope (slit lamp).
3. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): this uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retina. It measures and compares the thickness of the nerve fiber layer.
4. Visual Field Testing: this test maps your field of vision to help detect blind spots (called scotomas) caused by glaucoma damage.
5. Gonioscopy: this is a contact lens style technique used behind the slit lamp to assess the drainage pathway in the eye. It is used to help us differentiate between open and closed angle glaucoma.
6. Pachymetry. This measures the thickness of the cornea, which influences intraocular pressure readings.
Treatment can be through daily eye drops, laser therapy or surgical procedures. This is dependent on the type of glaucoma the individual is affected with. Typically these treatments are prescribed by an ophthalmologist, however, your optometrist may still be able to assist.
At Evolve, our optometrists will take the time and care to talk you through the different tests that are performed, and show you the results of each test. They are approachable, friendly, and welcome questions. Our optometrists are experienced, have formed great relationships with local ophthalmologists, and are therapeutically endorsed- meaning they are able to prescribe ocular medicines.