Glaucoma Screening Specialist

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is an eye disease in which optic nerve damage causes vision loss. The disease usually occurs because the fluid within your eye, the aqueous humor, doesn't drain correctly. Then, excess fluid builds, increasing your eye pressure and damaging the optic nerve. 

Untreated glaucoma can lead to steady vision decrease and eventual blindness. The two main forms of glaucoma are:

Open-angle glaucoma

The most common kind of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, is completely painless and doesn't cause any symptoms until you already have major eye damage. Open-angle glaucoma happens when your in-eye drainage canals clog very slowly. 

Acute angle-closure glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma occurs when your iris and cornea are too close together, preventing fluid drainage. This kind of glaucoma is a medical emergency with very sudden symptoms like blurry vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, and red eyes.

With regular glaucoma screenings at Brandywine Vision Associates, P.C., Dr. DeAngelis can identify the early signs of glaucoma before you have any symptoms. 

What does glaucoma screening involve?

Glaucoma screening is part of your comprehensive eye exam at Brandywine Vision Associates, P.C. Dr. DeAngelis may use a collection of tests to check for the signs of glaucoma, including:

Tonometry

Tonometry testing is a quick test involving a puff of air in your eye. The test checks your inner-eye pressure.

Ophthalmoscopy

In ophthalmoscopy, Dr. DeAngelis dilates your eyes. Then, she checks your optic nerve, viewing it with a lighted and magnifying device. 

Perimetry

Perimetry is a test that creates a map of your visual field. For this test, you focus on a spot of light as it moves around. 

Gonioscopy

Gonioscopy checks the space (angle) between your iris and cornea. During the test, you receive eye numbing drops before Dr. DeAngelis places a special contact lens in your eye. The lens shows the angle accurately through a tiny mirror. 

Pachymetry 

Pachymetry assesses corneal thickness using a small probe. The test can help to explain your inner-eye pressure readings. A thick cornea may cause an inaccurate high eye pressure reading, and pachymetry can help Dr. DeAngelis to determine whether you're actually at risk for glaucoma.

These are just the most common glaucoma screening tests, but you may also need other types of testing, including optic nerve imaging.

How often do I need glaucoma screening?

Glaucoma screening frequency depends on your specific risk level. In general, most people need annual comprehensive eye exams, during which Dr. DeAngelis screens for glaucoma. She can recommend a screening schedule for you.

Call Brandywine Vision Associates, P.C., or use the online scheduler to book your glaucoma screening exam now.