If you suspect glaucoma, your first step should probably be to visit an optometrist. A qualified optometrist, also known as an eye doctor, can discuss your symptoms with you and perform a few simple tests to see if you do indeed have glaucoma. Depending on the results of the initial tests, you may have to have either no more tests or some further testing. Once your optometrist makes his final diagnosis, he will probably discuss treatment options with you. The most important thing to keep in mind if you suspect glaucoma is to try not to worry too much about it until you see your eye doctor, because the root cause of your problems could be related to something else.
The first test your optometrist will likely perform is the tonometry test, which measures how much intraocular pressure exists within your eye. Intraocular eye pressure relates to how much fluid is inside your eye. People with glaucoma frequently have an excess of eye fluid, which puts pressure on the eye and occasionally causes some discomfort. Depending on the results of this test, your eye doctor will decide whether you need to be tested further for glaucoma.
Other tests that may be done if there is still reason to suspect glaucoma include checking for damage of the optic nerve inside your eye and a peripheral vision test. People who have glaucoma typically have very limited peripheral vision. Your eye doctor might also take some measurements of your cornea. If these tests show clear signs of glaucoma, you will probably be diagnosed with it. The next step after these final tests is normally to help you understand what can be done for treatment.
Many people with glaucoma have difficulty coming to terms with the fact they have it because there is no known cure, and it can eventually lead to complete blindness. It is important to keep in mind that there are still lots of things doctors can do to treat the problem and prolong your vision indefinitely. Many medications have been developed that can be taken regularly to control symptoms, and there are additionally some laser procedures that might help to drain the excess fluid off your eye, which leads to prolonged vision and treatment of the disease. If you suspect glaucoma, you would probably benefit from seeing an optometrist as quickly as possible, because treatment tends to be much more successful when the disease is caught in its early stages.
