Glaucoma Testing & Treatment Options

Services for Glaucoma from Eye Site


Testing for Glaucoma


During routine a comprehensive eye exam, your eye's intraocular pressure (IOP) will be measured with an instrument called a tonometer. One type of tonometer uses a small probe which gentle rests on the eye's outer surface, while another type uses a quick puff of air (non contact tonometer).

An abnormally high IOP reading indicates a problem with the amount of fluid (aqueous humor) in the eye. Either too much fluid is being produced, or it's not adequately draining from the eye. As a result of the excess fluid, pressure builds within the eye. The excess pressure can then cause damage the optic nerve.

Normally, IOP should be below 21 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). If your eye's pressure is higher than 30 mmHg, your risk of vision loss from glaucoma is 40 times greater than someone with intraocular pressure of 15 mmHg or lower.

Additional Testing Methods

Additional testing methods can provide a more comprehensive and detailed view as to the severity and progression of glaucoma. Some of these tests include:
  1. Visual field testing is a way for your eye care provider to determine if you are experiencing vision loss from glaucoma. This test involves staring straight ahead into a machine and clicking a button when you notice a blinking light in your peripheral vision. The visual field test may be repeated at regular intervals to make sure you are not developing vision loss from damage to the optic nerve or to determine the extent or progression of vision loss from glaucoma.
  2. Digital retinal imaging records the appearance of the retina and optic nerve. This can be very useful for documenting the change and appearance of the optic nerve over time.
  3. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an imaging method that uses ultrasound technology to provide detailed cross-section images of the optic nerve and its underlying layers. This non-invasive and sensitive technology has become one of the gold standards for monitoring retinal change over time.

Treatment for Glaucoma


There are several different treatment options available for patients with glaucoma. The first line of treatment usually involves the daily use of eye drops to lower the intraocular pressure.

Depending on the severity, there are also several surgical options available to manage glaucoma.


If you would like more information on Glaucoma or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our caring Optometrists, please contact or visit one of our convenient eye clinics in Houston or Katy, Texas.

Eye Site of Memorial (Houston): 713-984-9144

Eye Site of Katy: 281-644-2010

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>> Read More about Causes and Types of Glaucoma