At Specialty Vision, our dedicated team uses the latest specialized glaucoma tests to ensure your eye health is prioritized. With our cutting-edge technology and compassionate care, you can trust us to help you maintain clear vision for years to come.
Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight,” and for good reason. This condition can quietly damage your optic nerve and cause irreversible vision loss, often without any symptoms until significant harm has already occurred. At our clinic, we believe that everyone deserves the best chance to preserve their vision. That’s why we use the most advanced and specialized glaucoma tests available. On this page, we’ll walk you through each procedure, what it means for your eye health, and how early detection paired with compassionate care can make all the difference.
Glaucoma doesn’t discriminate, but some people are more at risk than others. If you’re over 40, have a family history of glaucoma, belong to African, Asian, or Hispanic populations, have diabetes or high myopia, or have used steroids for a long time, you’re at greater risk. Even if you don’t have risk factors, routine glaucoma screening as part of comprehensive eye exams is essential, especially as you age. The goal is simple: catch any changes before they become a problem.
It’s important to remember that glaucoma can affect anyone, and you can’t “feel” your eye pressure going up. Because early glaucoma almost never causes symptoms, regular testing is your best defense. Think of these tests as routine check-ups for your vision, just like checking your blood pressure or cholesterol, even when you feel fine.
Specialized glaucoma testing goes far beyond what’s done in a standard vision screening. These tests examine the health of your optic nerve and the delicate structures inside your eyes using state-of-the-art, non-invasive technology. Early screening means that if we notice even the slightest change, treatment can begin promptly, helping to slow the progression and protect your sight.
Imagine glaucoma like a leak in your home’s plumbing system. You may not notice a problem until the floor is wet, but with the right tools, an expert can spot the earliest drip before it causes any damage. That’s what these specialized tests are for: spotting issues you can’t see or feel.
Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT, is a game-changer in the early detection of glaucoma. Using light waves, this advanced technology creates incredibly detailed cross-sectional images of your retina and optic nerve. It’s a bit like getting an MRI for your eyes, safe, quick, and incredibly informative.
During an OCT scan, our eye doctors are able to see the thickness of your retinal nerve fiber layer, one of the earliest places glaucoma begins to cause changes. We don’t just get a “snapshot” of your eye, OCT allows us to measure nerve layers over time, tracking even the smallest thinning or changes that could suggest glaucoma.
Why this matters: Catching early nerve fiber thinning lets us start treatment before any vision is lost, giving you the best possible chance to maintain your sight for years to come.
One of glaucoma’s cruelest tricks is that it steals your side vision first, often without you realizing it. That’s where visual field testing comes in. This test measures the full area your eye can see, checking for any blind spots (scotomas) or changes you may not notice on your own.
The process is simple: you’ll sit in front of a special screen, looking straight ahead, and press a button whenever you see small flashes of light in your peripheral vision. Each response helps us map the sensitivity of your vision in all directions.
Why this matters: Since daily activities like driving, walking, or recognizing faces rely on your peripheral vision, protecting it is essential. Visual field testing helps ensure you keep the independence and confidence that clear sight brings.
Your cornea is the clear, dome-shaped window at the front of your eye, and its thickness can change how your eye pressure is measured. With pachymetry, we use an ultrasonic device to gently measure the thickness of your cornea.
A thinner cornea may cause your eye pressure reading to look lower than it actually is, while a thicker cornea could make it seem higher. Knowing the true measurement is vital, since eye pressure is a key factor in glaucoma diagnosis and management. What’s more, thin corneas themselves are now recognized as a risk factor for developing glaucoma, prompting more careful monitoring.
Why this matters: Getting the most accurate readings possible helps us avoid “false alarms” and ensures you only receive the treatment you genuinely need.
Glaucoma isn’t just about pressure; it’s also about how well fluid drains from your eye. Gonioscopy is a specialized test where numbing drops are applied, and a small, mirrored lens is gently placed on your eye. This gives our doctors a clear view of the drainage angle, the space between your iris and cornea that lets fluid exit your eye.
This procedure helps us see if the angle is open, narrow, or closed, which makes a difference in diagnosing the specific type of glaucoma and in choosing the best treatment.
Why this matters: Without gonioscopy, some forms of glaucoma could be missed. Seeing the drainage angle means we can recommend laser procedures, medications, or surgery as needed, personalized just for you.
If you take away one thing, let it be this: Glaucoma can be stopped, but not reversed. The sooner we detect changes, the sooner we can act, and the more of your vision we can protect.
This is why follow-up appointments and routine testing are so important. A single test is a snapshot, but a series of tests over time shows us the “movie” of your eye health, revealing slow changes that even the most skilled doctor couldn’t spot in one visit. When you stick to your testing schedule, you give yourself the best possible chance of keeping your vision for life.
We know that medical testing can feel intimidating, so our team works hard to make every visit welcoming, informative, and low-stress. When you arrive, we’ll take a few moments to discuss your medical history, family background, and any concerns or symptoms you may have. Then, each test is explained step by step, so you know exactly what’s happening.
Our staff and doctors encourage your questions, no question is too small or too “silly.” We know it’s your eyes and your future at stake, and we want you to feel comfortable and confident at every turn.
You’ll sit with your chin on a support while the camera quietly scans your eye.
Watch for light flashes, and press a button, no pain or discomfort at any time.
After numbing drops, a tiny probe gently touches the surface of your eye for just a moment.
The mirrored lens lets your doctor see the drainage angle, again using numbing drops for comfort.
Once your tests are complete, our doctors carefully review the results, considering all factors: your OCT scans, visual field maps, corneal thickness, and drainage angle. They compare these with any previous results to look for changes.
If we see signs like subtle thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer or new blind spots on your visual field, we may suggest starting treatment, changing medications, or increasing the frequency of follow-ups. If your tests are stable, we celebrate that news and keep you on a schedule that’s right for you.
Every step is explained in plain language, and we’ll answer any questions you have about what your results mean, what to expect, and what options are available. Our goal is to work with you as a partner, not just a patient.
One of our patients, who felt perfectly fine and saw no changes in their vision, was found to have early nerve fiber thinning on their very first OCT scan. Because we caught it early, we started eye drops right away. Years later, their vision is still excellent, and they’re living proof that early detection changes everything.
Glaucoma management isn’t a one-time event, it’s a long-term commitment to protecting your sight. At every visit, we update your “eye health baseline,” comparing new test results with the old to spot even the tiniest differences.
Regular testing means no surprises, no missed changes, and no lost opportunities to intervene early. If something does change, we’re ready with a plan, whether that means new medications, laser procedures, or simply a closer watch. The key is being proactive, not reactive.
Early detection means more options, less worry, and a much better outlook for your future vision.
Don't wait until it's too late! Schedule your comprehensive glaucoma testing today with our expert team at Specialty Vision. Your vision is our priority, and with top specialists ready to help, we’re committed to preserving it for you.
These tests provide unmatched detail, revealing changes you’d never know about otherwise.
We see both the structure and the function of your eyes, leaving nothing to chance.
Tests are quick, painless, and designed for patient comfort at every step.
You’ll always understand what’s happening, why it matters, and what comes next.
Almost never. Most patients find them painless and quick. We use numbing drops for any test involving contact with your eye, so you stay comfortable.
Absolutely. Glaucoma often causes no symptoms until major vision loss has already occurred. By then, the damage is permanent. Regular testing is the only way to catch it early.
For most adults over 40, every one to two years is best. If you have risk factors or are already diagnosed, your doctor will recommend a schedule tailored to your needs.
Your results tell us whether to start treatment, adjust your plan, or simply keep monitoring. Every decision is made with your individual health in mind.
Your eyesight is too important to leave to chance. Whether you’re at risk, already diagnosed, or just due for a check-up, we’re here to make sure you get the proactive, personalized care you deserve. Schedule your comprehensive glaucoma testing today, because every moment of clear vision is priceless, and together, we can keep it that way.
Don't wait until it's too late! Schedule your comprehensive glaucoma testing today with our expert team at Specialty Vision. Your vision is our priority, and with top specialists ready to help, we’re committed to preserving it for you.
Discover specialized glaucoma tests for early detection and optimal eye health management. Schedule your appointment today!
