Glaucoma Screening & Testing
Glaucoma screening aims to detect optic nerve damage and eye-pressure–related risk
before vision is permanently affected. Screening combines a general eye exam with
specialized tests to assess eye pressure, drainage angle, corneal thickness, visual fields,
and retinal nerve fibre integrity.
Who Should Be Screened?
- Adults over 40 years, especially with a family history of glaucoma
- People with high eye pressure (ocular hypertension)
- Patients with diabetes, high myopia, or long-term steroid use
- Individuals who have had eye injuries or prior eye surgery
Preliminary Evaluation
Your visit begins with history taking, vision and refraction checks, slit-lamp evaluation, and
intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. Based on these results, your ophthalmologist may advise
advanced tests the same day or at a scheduled follow-up.
Specialized Tests (As Required)
- Gonioscopy: A lens-based exam to inspect the eye’s drainage angle and classify
angle-closure vs. open-angle risk. - Field Testing (Perimetry): Maps peripheral vision to detect early functional loss.
- Pachymetry (Corneal Thickness): Helps interpret true IOP and refine risk assessment.
- RNFL Analysis by OCT: Optical Coherence Tomography provides micrometre-level
measurements of the Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer and optic nerve head.
Interpreting Results
Your doctor integrates IOP, angle status, optic nerve appearance, RNFL thickness, and field
findings to classify your eye as low risk, glaucoma suspect, or glaucoma. This guides the plan
for monitoring or treatment.
Treatment Pathway
- Medications: Pressure-lowering eye drops are often the first step.
- Laser Treatment (OPD): If recommended, you will receive a specific date and time
for outpatient laser (e.g., trabeculoplasty or peripheral iridotomy). The procedure is brief,
with post-laser checks the same day or within 1–2 days. - Surgery (OPD Basis): When surgery is indicated, you must undergo a pre-operative
physical evaluation. After clearance, a surgery date will be given. Procedures are typically
performed on an outpatient basis with same-day discharge.
Preparation & After-Care
- Bring prior prescriptions, diagnostic reports, and your current glasses/contact lens details.
- Follow instructions about continuing or pausing specific medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Arrange a companion for the day of laser/surgery if your vision may be temporarily blurred.
- Adhere strictly to prescribed drops and scheduled follow-ups to track IOP and optic nerve status.
