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A thorough clinical assessment by your
ophthalmologist will detect any damage to your eye, or whether you are
likely to develop the disease. Early detection is the best way to
prevent vision loss.
History
A thorough history is taken to
identify any risk factors.
Intraocular pressure (IOP)
 A
special instrument called a tonometer is used to measure the IOP. A
small pressure-sensitive plastic tip is gently placed on the eye after a
drop of anesthetic has been used. In air tonometry, a stream of air is
puffed against the eye.
Gonioscopy
A special contact lens is placed on your eye to
examine the drainage angle to see if it is blocked.
Ophthalmoscopy
After drops have dilated your pupil, the ophthalmologist examines the
optic nerve for damage. This is done on the slit-lamp (the special
microscope used for the general eye examination) with a lens which gives
a stereoscopic, color view. This technique has largely replaced the
hand held ophthalmoscope.
Visual field testing
Computerized visual field testing, or perimetry, is an important measure
of the extent of damage to your optic nerve. During these tests you will
be asked to look into a computer screen and push a button when you see a
light flash or a row of black lines appear. White-on-white,
blue-on-yellow (SWAP), and Frequency Doubling Perimetry (FDP) are all
used by Dr. Cano and are the most advanced perimetry tests
available.
Optic disc photography
 Stereoscopic
(3-dimensional) color photographs are taken of your optic disc at your
initial visit. This is done with a retinal camera and digitally
down-loaded into a computer. There are no X-rays involved and the
painless test only takes a few minutes. These images are used as a
baseline, and the appearance of your optic nerve is compared to them at
each visit. In this way, early changes, or progression, of glaucoma can
be detected.
It may not be necessary for you to have all these
tests each visit. If glaucoma is suspected, or your glaucoma worsens,
more tests may be added or the tests repeated more frequently.
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