Glaucoma is a medical condition that can lead to vision changes over time. Early detection and regular eye exams are necessary for maintaining your eye health and preventing further vision loss. But how is glaucoma diagnosed?
Understanding the process behind a glaucoma diagnosis can help you know what to expect during eye tests, recognise the role of eye pressure and optic nerve assessments, and learn how early detection supports effective treatment for glaucoma.
Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can affect the optic nerve, which plays a vital role in transmitting visual information from your eyes to your brain. This condition is often associated with changes in eye pressure, though it can also occur when pressure remains within the normal range.
Over time, glaucoma leads to gradual vision loss, particularly in peripheral vision, and in some cases, blurred vision or blind spots may develop.
Many people develop glaucoma without noticing obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. Because of this, regular eye tests are crucial for monitoring your eye health and identifying any changes before vision loss occurs.
By understanding the basics of glaucoma, its potential risks, and how it affects the optic nerve, you can take proactive steps to support your vision and explore treatment options if necessary.
Why Early Detection Matters
Vision loss occurs when optic nerve damage progresses over time. Early detection supports a treatment plan aimed at slowing this progression. When you treat glaucoma early, you have more options to maintain stable vision.
This is why eye specialists encourage you to prioritise regular eye exams, particularly if you’re at higher risk or have noticed concerns like blurred vision, blind spots, or changes in peripheral vision.
What Leads to a Glaucoma Diagnosis
A diagnosis of glaucoma is based on several factors. These include your intraocular pressure readings, the appearance of your optic nerve, the results of glaucoma tests, and the function of your visual field.
Your eye doctor considers these results together to determine the type of glaucoma you may have and whether further testing is needed.
Key Tests for Glaucoma
To understand your eye health, your eye specialist will perform a series of tests. These are generally safe and non-invasive, helping to detect any changes in your vision or optic nerve.
- Checking Eye Health: Your eye doctor will assess how well your eyes are functioning and look for early signs of changes that may indicate glaucoma.
- Assessing Vision: Tests may be used to examine your field of vision and identify any areas that could be affected.
- Monitoring Eye Pressure: Eye pressure is often measured as part of a general assessment, as changes in pressure can be linked to glaucoma.
Depending on your results and individual risk factors, your eye specialist may recommend additional checks or follow-up tests to monitor your eyes over time.
Common Types of Glaucoma
Understanding the different types can help you know why individualised care is important.
- Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: This is a common form of glaucoma. It usually develops gradually as the drainage system in your eye becomes less efficient, resulting in a gradual increase in intraocular pressure. Because this type often progresses without obvious symptoms, changes in peripheral vision may go unnoticed until they become more pronounced.
- Normal-Tension Glaucoma: This is a form in which optic nerve damage happens even though intraocular pressure remains within the normal range. This highlights the importance of comprehensive glaucoma testing, as relying solely on pressure readings may miss early damage.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This occurs when the fluid drainage channels in the eye suddenly become blocked, causing a rapid rise in eye pressure. This type can present with sudden symptoms and is considered a medical emergency. Prompt evaluation and treatment are essential to protect vision.
Each type of glaucoma has unique characteristics that guide your eye specialist in determining appropriate glaucoma tests, monitoring strategies, and treatment options.
By recognising these differences, you can better understand the focus of your eye exam and why personalised care is important for maintaining your eye health.
Symptoms You May Notice
Glaucoma often develops slowly, and early signs can be subtle. Understanding what to look for helps you recognise potential changes and take timely action.
Early or Subtle Symptoms
- Blurred Vision: Slight fuzziness that may come and go.
- Mild Eye Discomfort or Eye Pain: Often intermittent and not severe.
- Blind Spots in Peripheral Vision: Small gaps that may go unnoticed initially.
Symptoms in Advanced or Rapid-Onset Cases
Certain forms of glaucoma, like angle-closure glaucoma, can present suddenly:
- Severe pain in the eye
- Headaches or nausea
- Halos around lights or blurred vision
Even if symptoms are minimal or inconsistent, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify early glaucoma changes. Detecting glaucoma early allows for more effective treatment options and better long-term eye health.
Risk Factors You Should Know
Certain factors can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, and understanding these helps you take proactive steps towards early treatment and eye health maintenance.
- Family History: A family history of glaucoma can increase your risk, so inform your eye specialist and attend regular eye exams.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure or other systemic health issues may contribute to changes in eye pressure or increased vulnerability of the optic nerve.
- Eye Health History: Previous eye surgery, eye diseases, or injuries can affect your drainage system and increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma.
- Age and Ethnicity: Glaucoma risk tends to rise with age, and certain ethnic backgrounds may be more susceptible to specific types of glaucoma, such as primary open-angle glaucoma.
- Medication Use: Long-term use of steroids or other medications may influence intraocular pressure, highlighting the importance of monitoring eye health if you take these treatments regularly.
By recognising these risk factors, you can collaborate with your eye specialist to create a personalised monitoring and treatment plan, helping to protect your vision and maintain overall eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have an eye test?
If you are at higher risk or over 40, regular eye exams every one to two years are generally recommended. Your eye specialist may suggest more frequent monitoring if changes are detected or if risk factors are present.
Is vision loss reversible?
Glaucoma treatment does not reverse existing optic nerve damage, but early detection supports options that may help protect your remaining vision.
Can glaucoma be treated during cataract surgery?
In some cases, cataract surgery can be combined with glaucoma procedures to help improve fluid drainage and reduce eye pressure. Your eye specialist can advise if this is appropriate for your situation.
Conclusion
Understanding how glaucoma is diagnosed helps you take an active role in caring for your vision. When you stay informed about glaucoma tests, treatment options, and the importance of early detection, you give yourself the chance to support your long-term eye health.
If you’ve noticed any changes or are due for a routine eye exam, reaching out to an eye specialist can be a positive next step towards maintaining clear and comfortable vision.
Your eye health is important, and early detection is key to managing glaucoma effectively. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, have risk factors, or are due for a routine eye exam, scheduling an appointment with an experienced eye specialist can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Our team offers comprehensive glaucoma tests, including intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve assessments, visual field testing, and advanced imaging. By working together, we can monitor your eye health and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.
Contact Dr Anton Van Heerden at 03 9000 0389 and take a proactive step towards protecting your vision for years to come.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Reiff Ellis, R. (2024, December 30). What is Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma? WebMD. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/acute-angle-closure-glaucoma
Tee-Melegrito, R. A. (2023, May 18). What Does Glaucoma Vision Look Like? Medical News Today. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-glaucoma-vision-look-like
The Healthline Editorial Team. (2025, April 8). What To Know About Glaucoma. Healthline. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/glaucoma
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