Glaucoma Diagnosis

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease mainly manifested by elevated intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, it may lead to irreversible vision loss or even blindness. Since early symptoms are not obvious, professional examinations are required for diagnosis. Common diagnostic methods include intraocular pressure measurement, optic nerve examination, and visual field testing, ensuring accurate assessment of the condition and formulation of an effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Criteria for Glaucoma

1. Intraocular Pressure Measurement

Elevated intraocular pressure is the most important diagnostic indicator of glaucoma. Pressure inside the eyeball is measured using non-contact or contact tonometers. Continuous elevation suggests possible glaucoma, which requires further confirmation with other examinations.

2. Optic Nerve Examination

Fundus examination is used to observe the optic disc for signs of atrophy or cupping. Morphological changes of the optic nerve are one of the key diagnostic bases of glaucoma.

3. Visual Field Testing

Perimetry is used to test the patient’s visual field. Glaucoma patients often show visual field defects, especially gradual narrowing of peripheral vision, providing important references for early diagnosis.

4. Corneal Thickness Measurement

Corneal thickness affects intraocular pressure readings. A thinner cornea may cause lower pressure readings. Measuring corneal thickness helps to more accurately evaluate intraocular pressure and assists in diagnosis.

5. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

OCT technology provides detailed imaging of the retinal nerve fiber layer to detect the degree and progression of optic nerve damage, making it an important tool for early glaucoma diagnosis.

6. Observation of Ocular Symptoms

Doctors may also consider patient-reported symptoms such as blurred vision, eye pain, and headaches. However, these symptoms usually become obvious only in later stages, so instrumental examinations are necessary.

7. Pre-treatment Evaluation for Stem Cell Therapy

For patients planning to undergo stem cell therapy, a comprehensive assessment of ocular function is conducted to ensure suitability for this treatment, aiding therapeutic decision-making.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of glaucoma is crucial to preventing vision loss. Experts from United Life International Medical Center emphasize that regular ophthalmic examinations combined with multiple diagnostic methods allow more accurate detection of the disease. Modern diagnostic technologies such as OCT, combined with stem cell therapy, provide glaucoma patients with more options for treatment and vision preservation. Active diagnosis and treatment are the keys to protecting patients’ visual health.