Glaucoma is a progressive condition that affects the eyesight of an individual. Eyesight is one of the basic requirements of any individual without which it will be difficult to live normally. Light enters each eye and is refracted by the lens on to the rear surface of the eye. The cells in this area react to the light and send the image through the optic nerve to the brain. Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve gets gradually damaged because of increased pressure within the eye. There are a few different forms of glaucoma which vary in terms of the pace at which they advance. Generally speaking, glaucoma is a slow progressing condition which can be arrested once it is noticed.
Initially, the patient should notice reduction in the quality of peripheral vision. The fact that glaucoma affects peripheral vision first means that the condition will have progressed to a certain extent before the individual notices it. Once an individual notices loss in quality of peripheral vision, he or she must visit a doctor for a glaucoma test.
There are two common ways of testing an individual for glaucoma. These include a pressure test and a physical examination of the eye. The pressure test is one that involves the doctor applying pressure to the outer surface of the eye until an indentation is noticed. This is done to determine how much pressure there is within the eye. The pressure being applied will be noted on the specialized machine used for the test. The physical examination test for glaucoma involves the doctor using light to look inside the eye to check the shape of the optic nerve.
There are a few glaucoma test side effects that need to be taken into account before the patient goes in for the test. One of the glaucoma test side effects associated with the physical examination of the eye is that of blurred vision and light sensitivity. This happens because the pupil is artificially dilated using special eye drops. Therefore, it may remain dilated for a few hours after the test. This problem should not last overnight. If it does, one should visit a doctor. Other glaucoma test side effects associated with the pressure test include pain in the eye. This is a somewhat common complaint as patients who actually have glaucoma will probably be more sensitive to the pain. Any glaucoma test side effects that last for more than 24 hour should be reported to the doctor. One could also discuss glaucoma treatment side effects or glaucoma surgery side effects with their doctor if considering treatment for the condition.