Glaucoma

How is the condition diagnosed?

Glaucoma is suspected when there is a high level of pressure in the eye. It is also suspected if the exam shows an abnormal optic nerve. The diagnosis is made using a combination of tests. The tests include a pressure test, which looks at the fluid-drainage area, an evaluation of the appearance of the optic nerve, and testing the visual field, or total area of visual perception, for each eye. Not every person needs all of these tests, but they should be repeated at regular intervals to find out whether or not glaucoma damage is developing over time. If there is no proof of visual loss, a person may still need to be monitored closely and given a diagnosis of "glaucoma suspect."