Glaucoma Testing in Sherwood Park: What the Test Involves

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can develop without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. By the time vision changes become apparent, permanent damage may have already occurred. That’s why regular eye exams and early detection are so important.

At Sherwood Park Eye Centre, we use advanced diagnostic technology to identify glaucoma as early as possible and help protect your long-term vision. If you’ve been told you need glaucoma testing or are wondering what happens during the process, here’s what you can expect.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from your eyes to your brain. In many cases, this damage is associated with elevated intraocular pressure, although glaucoma can also develop in people with normal eye pressure.

Because glaucoma often progresses gradually and painlessly, routine monitoring is the most effective way to catch the disease before significant vision loss occurs.

Who Should Have Glaucoma Testing?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain glaucoma risk factors can increase your chances of developing the condition. These include:

• Being over the age of 40
• A family history of glaucoma
• Elevated intraocular pressure
• Previous eye injuries
• Diabetes or certain cardiovascular conditions
• High levels of nearsightedness (myopia)
• Long-term use of steroid medications

If you have one or more of these risk factors, your optometrist may recommend more frequent monitoring as part of your Alberta eye exam schedule.

What Happens During Glaucoma Testing?

Many patients are surprised to learn that glaucoma testing involves several different assessments. Each test provides important information about the health of your eyes and helps us build a complete picture of

 your risk.

IOP Measurement

One of the first steps in glaucoma testing is an IOP measurement, which checks the pressure inside your eye. This test is quick, comfortable, and non-invasive. Depending on the technology used, your optometrist may use a gentle puff of air or a specialized instrument to measure your eye pressure.

While elevated intraocular pressure is one of the most common warning signs of glaucoma, it is important to remember that eye pressure alone does not determine whether you have the disease. Some people develop glaucoma with normal eye pressure, while others have higher pressure without experiencing optic nerve damage.

Optic Nerve Evaluation

Because glaucoma affects the optic nerve, a detailed examination of this structure is a critical part of the testing process. Your optometrist will carefully assess the appearance of the optic nerve for signs of thinning, damage, or structural changes that may indicate glaucoma. Even subtle changes can provide valuable clues about your eye health.

OCT Imaging

One of the most advanced tools we use for glaucoma testing is called Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT for short.

OCT uses light waves to create highly detailed cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve. This technology allows us to measure the thickness of the nerve fibre layers and identify changes long before noticeable vision loss occurs.

The scan is completely painless and only takes a few moments to perform. You’ll simply look at a target while the machine captures detailed images of the back of your eye. Since OCT can detect structural changes at an early stage, it plays an important role in both diagnosing glaucoma and monitoring its progression over time.

Visual Field Testing

Glaucoma often affects peripheral vision first. Visual field testing helps determine whether any areas of your vision have been impacted.

During this test, you’ll focus on a central target while responding to small lights that appear in different parts of your field of vision. The results help us identify patterns of vision loss that may be associated with glaucoma.

Corneal Thickness Measurement

The thickness of your cornea can affect how intraocular pressure readings are interpreted. For this reason, your optometrist may measure corneal thickness as part of a comprehensive glaucoma assessment. This additional information helps ensure that your eye pressure readings are evaluated as accurately as possible.

Does Glaucoma Testing Hurt?

No. Most glaucoma tests are quick, non-invasive, and painless.

Patients often find that the process is much easier than they expected. While some tests require you to sit still and focus on a target for a few moments, there is typically little to no discomfort involved.

How Often Should You Be Tested?

 

The frequency of glaucoma testing depends on your age, eye health, family history, and overall risk profile.

For many adults, regular Alberta eye exam appointments provide an opportunity to screen for glaucoma and other eye diseases. Patients with higher glaucoma risk factors may require more frequent monitoring to detect changes as early as possible.

Your optometrist will recommend a testing schedule based on your individual needs.

Protect Your Vision with Early Detection

Glaucoma cannot be reversed, but early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow or prevent vision loss. Regular eye exams remain one of the most effective ways to detect the disease before symptoms appear.

At Sherwood Park Eye Centre, our team uses advanced technology including OCT imaging, IOP measurement, and comprehensive optic nerve assessments to help identify glaucoma at its earliest stages.

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam or you have concerns about your glaucoma risk factors, book an appointment with our team today. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving your vision for years to come.

 

Reviewed By: Dr. Raman Badh