FAQ: Glaucoma Testing in St. George, UT

Glaucoma testing in St. George, UT may include an eye pressure test, intraocular pressure test, tonometry, visual field test, optic nerve exam, retinal imaging, and a dilated eye exam. At Paradise Canyon Eye Care, we use these tests to look for signs of optic nerve damage and help determine whether glaucoma is present or needs to be monitored.

You should schedule a glaucoma exam in St. George, UT if you have a family history of glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, vision changes, peripheral vision loss, or risk factors that may affect your eye health. Dr. Fife can also recommend how often you need glaucoma monitoring based on your exam findings.

A glaucoma evaluation is more focused than a routine vision exam because it looks closely at the optic nerve, eye pressure, drainage angle, corneal thickness, and peripheral vision. While a routine eye exam may identify possible concerns, a glaucoma evaluation helps us gather more detailed information for diagnosis and management.

Dr. Fife diagnoses glaucoma by reviewing several test results together rather than relying on one measurement alone. This may include tonometry, optic nerve imaging, a visual field test, gonioscopy, pachymetry, and a dilated eye exam to check for signs of optic nerve damage.

An eye pressure test measures the pressure inside the eye, also called intraocular pressure. Since elevated eye pressure can increase the risk of glaucoma, this test helps us understand whether additional glaucoma testing or eye pressure monitoring may be needed.

Tonometry during a glaucoma exam is typically quick and comfortable. The test measures intraocular pressure and helps us evaluate one of the key risk factors for glaucoma. Our team explains the process before testing so you know what to expect.

A visual field test helps check for changes in side vision, also known as peripheral vision. Glaucoma can affect peripheral vision before noticeable symptoms appear, so this test is important for glaucoma detection, monitoring, and vision loss prevention.

A peripheral vision test helps show whether glaucoma may be affecting areas of your vision outside your central focus. If peripheral vision loss is found, Dr. Fife can compare results over time to monitor changes and guide glaucoma management.

An optic nerve exam helps us look for signs of optic nerve damage, which is a major concern with glaucoma. Since glaucoma can progress gradually, evaluating the optic nerve helps us detect changes early and protect long-term vision.

Optic nerve imaging gives us detailed images that can be compared over time. This helps Dr. Fife monitor subtle changes in the optic nerve and determine whether glaucoma management needs to be adjusted.

Retinal imaging helps us document the health of the retina and optic nerve. These images can support glaucoma detection and provide a useful baseline for future exams, especially when monitoring changes over time.

Pachymetry is a corneal thickness test that measures how thick the cornea is. Corneal thickness can affect eye pressure readings, so this test helps our eye doctor in St. George, UT interpret intraocular pressure results more accurately during a glaucoma evaluation.

Gonioscopy allows us to examine the drainage angle of the eye. This helps determine the type of glaucoma risk a patient may have and gives Dr. Fife more information when planning glaucoma diagnosis, management, or follow-up care.

The timing for glaucoma follow-up care depends on your risk level, eye pressure, optic nerve health, and test results. Some patients need annual glaucoma monitoring, while others may need more frequent checks. Dr. Fife will recommend a schedule based on your specific eye health needs.

Glaucoma testing can help with vision loss prevention by detecting signs of glaucoma before major vision changes occur. While glaucoma-related damage cannot always be reversed, early detection, eye pressure monitoring, and consistent glaucoma management can help protect your remaining vision.