Glaucoma is often called “the silent thief of sight” because it can slowly damage your vision without noticeable symptoms—until it’s too late. A glaucoma evaluation helps us detect this condition early and begin treatment to preserve your vision for the long term.

Glaucoma Examination

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is essential for clear vision. This damage is often caused by increased pressure inside the eye, but it can also occur with normal eye pressure. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness.

Since early stages of glaucoma usually don’t cause pain or vision changes, regular eye exams are the best way to detect it before it progresses.

Normal Vision

Normal Vision

Loss of Peripheral Vision

Loss of Peripheral Vision

A glaucoma evaluation is a set of specialized tests used to diagnose glaucoma or monitor its progression. If you’re at risk—due to age, family history, diabetes, high eye pressure, or other factors—your eye doctor may recommend a full glaucoma workup.

    This evaluation includes:

  • Measurement of eye pressure (called intraocular pressure or IOP)
  • Examination of the optic nerve, where glaucoma damage occurs
  • Visual field testing to check for blind spots in your peripheral (side) vision
  • OCT imaging (Optical Coherence Tomography) to take detailed scans of the optic nerve
  • Pachymetry to measure corneal thickness, which affects eye pressure readings

These tests are painless, non-invasive, and provide critical information about the health of your eyes.

Anyone over the age of 40 should be screened regularly for glaucoma, especially if there is a family history or other risk factors. People of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent, and those with conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, are at increased risk.

Even if you’ve never had symptoms, regular glaucoma evaluations can detect changes early—often before any vision loss occurs.

Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, it can be slowed or even stopped. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery—depending on the severity and type of glaucoma.

By staying ahead of the disease, we can help you maintain your vision and quality of life.

If you’re at risk for glaucoma or simply haven’t had an eye pressure check in a while, a glaucoma evaluation is a smart, proactive step. Call us today to schedule your appointment—we’re here to help protect your vision for the future.

Glaucoma Eye Examination