Glaucoma Test

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of diseases affecting the health of the optic nerve, which can be sensitive to the internal fluid pressure of the eye and can gradually steal vision without warning and OFTEN WITHOUT SYMPTOMS. The eye has a natural circulation and drainage system of its own, similar but different to the blood system. High blood pressure does not mean high intraocular pressure and vice versa. If glaucoma is left untreated, it can lead to serious visual loss and even blindness. At Supersavers Opticians we perform glaucoma eye tests which can help identify a suspected case of glaucoma.

The Glaucoma test

Glaucoma occurs mainly in the over 40 year old age group. Every full eye test we do for people over the age of 40 includes a glaucoma test, and when required, for younger people too. The glaucoma eye test consists of a puff of air into the eye from a machine called a tonometer, which accurately measures the internal pressure of the eye. There is no contact at all between the machine and the eye, just a puff of air which lasts a fraction of a second and is completely painless.

The Glaucoma test

While the optician cannot give a definitive diagnosis of glaucoma or any other disease he may suspect, he will refer you (either through your GP or directly) to an eye specialist who will investigate further and treat as necessary. Glaucoma is usually very easily treated and managed throughout the patient’s lifetime.