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What is a Glaucoma Test



 Submitted by Nic on April 26, 2011
The ability to see is one of the important senses of the human body. Light passes into each eye where it will be refracted by the lens of the eye. The image will then be projected onto the inner back wall of the eye. Here, special cells will receive these images and convert them into electrical signals. These signals flow to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain then processes the image. This process takes place continuously and is completely involuntary. To an extent, there is some voluntary action involved in the process of seeing things. An individual will choose what he or she sees. An individual can also adjust the focus of the eyes. Most of the other functions of the eyes are performed automatically.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve. Over time glaucoma will damage the nerve to the point where the individual will no longer be able to see. Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye to the point where this fluid begins to put pressure on the structure of the eye. This leads to a gradual loss of vision which culminates in total loss of vision. Glaucoma is therefore a progressive condition that gradually sets in. Individuals who suffer from glaucoma may not notice the initial symptoms of glaucoma. These initial symptoms include gradual degeneration of vision from the peripheral areas of the eye. This is often ignored by people as a sign of ageing. Over time, the vision closer and closer to the central field of vision will be affected. There are different types of glaucoma that may occur at different speeds. However, all forms of glaucoma will eventually lead to the complete loss of vision. A glaucoma test is conducted to confirm this condition.

There are two ways of performing a glaucoma test. In most cases the patient will have to undergo each glaucoma test before the diagnosis is made. The first type of glaucoma test is the tonometry test. The tonometry test is designed to measure the pressure within the eye by applying pressure to the outer wall of the eye. When this pressure is applied, it is measured. Similarly, the other type of glaucoma test is the ophthalmoscopy test. This examines the inner structure of the eye to note any obvious degeneration.

After the glaucoma test results are presented, treatment can begin. Glaucoma treatment does not cure the condition; it only arrests its further development. Glaucoma testing should be done by all individuals at some stage in their life, particularly as they age. One could always discuss different aspects of the test like the risks, preparation, glaucoma test cost, glaucoma test numbers and so on with their doctors. This would also help in keeping the individual calm before the test is conducted.
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