Early detection of glaucoma can save your sight. This silent thief of vision affects over 300,000 Australians, with half of cases remaining undiagnosed. Sydney residents are particularly at risk due to our aging population. Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular comprehensive eye testing essential for Sydneysiders.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment through prescription eye drops or surgical intervention, the risk of vision loss can be dramatically reduced.

Glaucoma can only be diagnosed through specialised testing. A comprehensive glaucoma assessment collects vital information about your optic nerve health, peripheral vision, corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure.

Your test results are carefully evaluated alongside your family history and other health risk factors before a diagnosis can be made. This thorough approach ensures accurate detection of this potentially sight-threatening condition.

A comprehensive glaucoma assessment includes five critical examinations:

1. Retinal imaging

Our Sydney practice utilises advanced imaging technology to capture highly detailed photographs of your retina (the back of your eye). Our expert optometrists analyse these images to identify subtle signs of glaucoma damage to the optic nerve, including changes in the optic disc appearance and the presence of nerve fibre layer defects. This technology is essential for accurate glaucoma diagnosis.

2. OCT (Optical coherence tomography)

Our clinic features state-of-the-art OCT technology that provides cross-sectional imaging of your retina and optic nerve with microscopic precision. Not all Sydney eye testing facilities offer this advanced technology, which can detect glaucomatous damage to the nerve fibre layer before it becomes visible through conventional retinal imaging, allowing for the earliest possible intervention. The OCT measures the thickness of the nerve fibre layer around your optic nerve, which thins as glaucoma progresses – a crucial early indicator for patients at risk of glaucoma.

3. Central corneal thickness measurement

The thickness of your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) plays a significant role in glaucoma risk assessment. Research has established that individuals with thinner-than-average corneas face an increased risk of developing glaucoma. This measurement also helps ensure accurate interpretation of intraocular pressure readings, as corneal thickness can influence these measurements.

4. Visual field testing

The visual field screening test, also known as automated full-threshold visual field-testing, specifically evaluates your peripheral vision – often the first area affected by glaucoma. If this screening suggests potential glaucoma damage, we conduct the more comprehensive Humphrey Visual Field test, that uses statistical analysis to map your visual field in detail and identify any areas of vision loss characteristic of glaucoma.

5. Intraocular pressure measurement

Elevated pressure within the eye remains one of the primary risk factors for glaucoma. Initially, we measure your intraocular pressure using a non-contact method (air-puff tonometry). If glaucoma is suspected, we employ the gold-standard Goldmann Applanation Tonometer for more precise pressure readings. This helps us determine if pressure-lowering treatment is necessary.

Prescription eye drops

For most patients, specially formulated eye drops effectively manage glaucoma by either reducing the production of fluid within the eye or improving its drainage. These medications help lower intraocular pressure to prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Different classes of glaucoma eye drops work in various ways:

• Prostaglandin analogs increase the outflow of fluid from your eye
• Beta-blockers reduce the production of fluid in your eye
• Alpha-adrenergic agonists both decrease fluid production and increase drainage
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors reduce fluid production
• Rho kinase inhibitors increase fluid drainage through the trabecular meshwork

Many patients will need to use these prescribed drops once daily for life to maintain control of their condition.

Surgical interventions

When medication alone cannot adequately control glaucoma, surgical options may be recommended – either as an alternative to or in conjunction with eye drops. These procedures are performed by an experienced ophthalmologist and may include:

• Laser trabeculoplasty: Opens the drainage channels to increase fluid outflow
• Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): Various techniques that improve drainage with fewer risks than traditional surgery
• Trabeculectomy: Creates a new drainage pathway for fluid to leave the eye
• Drainage implant surgery: Places a small tube in the eye to facilitate fluid drainage

The appropriate surgical approach depends on your specific type of glaucoma, its severity, and your overall eye health.

Once diagnosed with glaucoma, consistent monitoring becomes essential. Patients typically require follow-up glaucoma assessments every 6 months. These check-ups involve visual field testing, OCT imaging, and photographs of your optic nerve to track any progression of the condition.

If these regular assessments reveal continued loss of peripheral vision or changes to the optic nerve, your treatment plan will need adjustment. Additional or alternative treatments may be necessary to adequately control the disease and prevent further vision loss.

Remember that glaucoma is a chronic condition requiring lifelong management. With proper care and regular monitoring, most patients can maintain their vision and quality of life.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear – by then, permanent vision loss may have already occurred. So schedule your comprehensive glaucoma eye test today.

With our convenient CBD location and the latest diagnostic technology, our expert optometrists provide the highest standard of glaucoma care available sin Sydney.

Protect your precious gift of sight with Sydney’s leading glaucoma testing experts.