STEPS TO YOUR 1ST GLAUCOMA VISIT:
- Schedule your appointment by calling us (907) 274-7825
- Provide us with all your information needed for MEDICAL insurance billing prior to visit! We will need to verify all benefits PRIOR to your visit.
- Your visit will last about 90 minutes. Please be prepare to spend this time with us as we are performing many tests .
What is glaucoma testing?
Our glaucoma tests:
Early detection, through regular and complete eye exams, is the key to protecting your vision from damage caused by glaucoma.
A complete eye exam includes six common tests to detect glaucoma:
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Perimetry Visual Fields (VF)
Perimetry is a visual field test that produces your complete field of vision. This test will help a doctor determine whether your vision has been affected by glaucoma. During this test, you will be asked to look straight ahead and then indicate when a moving light passes your peripheral (or side) vision. This helps draw a “map” of your vision.
Do not be concerned if there is a delay in seeing the light as it moves in or around your blind spot. This is perfectly normal and does not necessarily mean that your field of vision is damaged. Try to relax and respond as accurately as possible during the test.
Your doctor may want you to repeat the test to see if the results are the same the next time you take it. After glaucoma has been diagnosed, visual field tests are usually done one to two times a year to check for any changes in your vision.
Pachymetry
Tonometry
Tonometry measures the pressure within your eye. During tonometry, eye drops are used to numb the eye. Then a doctor or technician uses a device called a tonometer to measure the inner pressure of the eye. A small amount of pressure is applied to the eye by a tiny device or by a warm puff of air.
The range for normal pressure is 12-22 mm Hg (“mm Hg” refers to millimeters of mercury, a scale used to record eye pressure). Most glaucoma cases are diagnosed with pressure exceeding 20mm Hg. However, some people can have glaucoma at pressures between 12 -22mm Hg. Eye pressure is unique to each person.
Ophthalmoscopy/Retina Scan
This diagnostic procedure helps the doctor examine your optic nerve for glaucoma damage. Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil so that the doctor can see through your eye to examine the shape and color of the optic nerve.
The doctor will then use a small device with a light on the end to light and magnify the optic nerve. If your intraocular pressure (IOP) is not within the normal range or if the optic nerve looks unusual, your doctor may ask you to have one or two more glaucoma exams: perimetry and gonioscopy.
Visual electrophysiology (ERG)
Diopsys® Light Induced Visual-response (LIV)™ tests are painless, non-invasive, and provide your doctor with comprehensive information on the function of your vision.
Like an electrocardiogram (EKG) which tests heart function, LIV tests work by evaluating how the cells within your vision system are functioning. Eye disease disrupts that function as cells become unhealthy. By catching this dysfunction before the cells die, your doctor may be able to prescribe treatment to make the cells healthy again. Additionally, your doctor can use the tests to help determine if your treatment is working.
Gonioscopy
Why Are There So Many Diagnostic Exams?
Glaucoma is a complex eye condition which can lead to permanent blindess when it is not detected, therefore it requires numerous specialty diagnositic eye tests to ensure we properly diagose before making any decisions about your treatment.
Related Information
Opening Hours
Monday – Thursday | 8:30 – 5:00 |
Friday | 8:30 - 4:00 |
Saturday-Sunday | Closed |
Open During Lunch |