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How Is Glaucoma Diagnosed? What to Know About Glaucoma Tests

February 2, 2026/0 Comments/in Armadale Eye Blogs /by Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can potentially lead to vision loss. But how is glaucoma diagnosed?

Understanding its diagnosis is an essential step in protecting your eye health and maintaining your quality of life. Early detection and timely management are necessary for slowing disease progression and preventing irreversible vision loss.

Understanding Glaucoma

Glaucoma primarily affects the optic nerve, which connects your eye to your brain. Damage to the optic nerve can happen when the pressure inside the eye becomes elevated, a condition known as high eye pressure or increased intraocular pressure.

While some types of glaucoma are associated with elevated eye pressure, other forms can occur even when eye pressure is within the normal range.

Glaucoma often progresses slowly, with minimal symptoms in the early stages. This makes regular eye examinations crucial, especially for individuals at higher risk.

Types of Glaucoma

Understanding the types of glaucoma is essential for both early detection and informed management. Each type affects the optic nerve differently, and recognising the specific form can help your eye doctor select the appropriate glaucoma test and treatment plan.

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma is a common form of glaucoma. It develops gradually, often without noticeable vision loss in the early stages. The optic nerve slowly sustains damage, typically affecting peripheral vision first.

Because obvious symptoms may not appear until later, regular comprehensive eye tests are crucial for early detection. Identifying this type early allows for interventions such as prescription eye drops or laser treatment to help lower eye pressure and slow disease progression.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma can appear suddenly and may be a medical emergency. Symptoms may include severe eye pain, pressure in your eye, blurred vision, headache, and occasionally nausea. Immediate assessment is essential to prevent rapid optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss.

Early recognition and intervention, including laser surgery or other surgical procedures, can stabilise eye pressure and protect vision.

Congenital Glaucoma

Congenital glaucoma is present at birth, caused by abnormalities in the eye’s drainage system. Infants may show signs such as cloudy corneas, dilated pupils, or light sensitivity.

Prompt diagnosis is critical for protecting eye health and supporting normal visual development. Treatments may include surgical procedures to improve fluid drainage and effectively manage pressure inside the eye.

Normal-Tension Glaucoma

Normal-tension glaucoma is characterised by optic nerve damage even when eye pressure is within the normal range. Contributing factors may include low blood pressure, a thin cornea, or other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the optic nerve.

Diagnosis often relies on visual field tests and careful monitoring rather than eye pressure tests alone. Early detection is key to developing a personalised treatment plan and slowing disease progression.

Identifying the type of glaucoma is important because it directly informs which diagnostic tests and treatment options are appropriate.

Whether managing open-angle glaucoma with prescription eye drops, addressing angle-closure glaucoma with laser surgery, or monitoring normal-tension glaucoma, understanding the distinctions enables you to actively take care of your eye health.

Risk Factors That Influence Diagnosis

Certain factors increase the likelihood that a person may develop glaucoma:

Family history of glaucoma or being a glaucoma suspect.
Age over 40, particularly in people with thin corneas.
Existing medical conditions, like diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Previous eye injuries or history of cataract surgery.

Being aware of these factors can help you and your eye doctor prioritise early detection and timely management.

The Role of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A detailed eye exam is a key step in understanding how glaucoma is diagnosed. During such an exam, an eye doctor may evaluate several aspects of eye health. These assessments help identify potential signs of optic nerve damage or vision changes, which are important for monitoring disease progression.

Regular eye examinations allow for observation of changes over time. This ongoing monitoring can support early detection and help guide appropriate treatment options before significant vision loss occurs.

Measuring Eye Pressure

Assessing intraocular pressure is often one of the first considerations in a glaucoma assessment. Elevated intraocular pressure can indicate a higher risk of optic nerve damage, though high pressure alone does not confirm a diagnosis.

An eye doctor may use different approaches to estimate eye pressure, and the findings can inform whether additional evaluation or monitoring is needed.

Examining the Optic Nerve

Evaluating the optic nerve can provide insight into possible early signs of glaucoma. Some methods allow doctors to view the optic nerve more closely or track subtle changes over time.

This can help understand how the condition might be progressing, even if vision loss is not yet noticeable.

Assessing Peripheral Vision

Checking peripheral vision can indicate early areas of vision loss. Changes in side vision or the development of blind spots may reflect optic nerve changes.

This aspect of assessment can help determine whether further observation or intervention might be beneficial.

Considering the Eye’s Drainage System

The eye’s drainage system regulates fluid and helps maintain intraocular pressure within a healthy range. An assessment of how well fluid flows through the eye can provide information about potential risk factors for glaucoma.

Understanding the eye’s drainage capacity can help inform different treatment approaches, though not every clinic may perform detailed drainage system testing during routine exams.

Additional Considerations

Other factors, such as corneal thickness or blood pressure, may influence risk and eye pressure readings. These elements can be relevant in assessing the likelihood of developing glaucoma or monitoring disease progression over time.

By combining information from eye pressure measurements, optic nerve evaluation, vision assessment, and other factors, a comprehensive exam can provide a broader understanding of eye health and potential glaucoma risk. While each clinic may offer different types of eye assessments, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for a glaucoma evaluation.

Managing Glaucoma

Once glaucoma is diagnosed, the primary goal is to lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. The approach to management varies depending on the type of glaucoma, the disease progression, and your overall eye health.

A tailored plan allows your eye doctor to address your specific needs while supporting long-term vision preservation.

Prescription Eye Drops

Prescription eye drops are often the first line of treatment. These medications lower eye pressure by either reducing fluid production in the eye or helping the eye drain excess fluid more effectively.

Consistent use as directed by your eye doctor can slow optic nerve damage and support early treatment outcomes.

Laser Treatment

Laser procedures provide targeted methods to assist with eye pressure management. Two laser surgeries are:

YAG Laser Iridotomy: Often recommended for angle-closure glaucoma, this procedure creates a small opening in the iris to improve fluid circulation.
Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): Typically used for open-angle glaucoma, SLT targets the drainage system to enhance fluid outflow and help lower eye pressure.

Laser treatment can complement eye drops or, in some cases, serve as a primary intervention, depending on your condition.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)

For patients requiring surgical intervention, the clinic offers minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), including:

iStent: A tiny implant placed in the drainage angle to facilitate fluid outflow.
Hydrus Microstent: Designed to expand the drainage system, assisting with intraocular pressure reduction.

MIGS procedures are designed to support effective fluid drainage and generally offer shorter recovery times than traditional surgeries.

A successful management strategy is guided by your eye doctor and tailored to your individual needs. Factors such as glaucoma type, optic nerve health, eye pressure, and other risk factors influence the recommended treatment options.

Ongoing monitoring through comprehensive eye exams ensures that the treatment plan evolves as your condition progresses.

By combining early detection, consistent monitoring, and a personalised approach, it is possible to slow disease progression, preserve vision, and maintain overall eye health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should glaucoma be monitored once diagnosed?

Monitoring frequency depends on the type and severity of glaucoma. Early stages may require check-ups every 6–12 months, while more advanced cases may need closer monitoring to ensure treatment effectiveness and detect changes in optic nerve health.

Can glaucoma be prevented?

While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, early detection, regular glaucoma exams, and consistent monitoring can help reduce the risk of irreversible vision loss. Maintaining overall eye health and managing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, also supports prevention.

How does a thin cornea affect glaucoma risk?

A thin cornea can influence eye pressure readings and may be associated with a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Your eye doctor may consider corneal thickness when interpreting eye pressure tests and designing a treatment plan.

Can low or high blood pressure affect glaucoma?

Yes. High blood pressure may increase intraocular pressure, while low blood pressure can reduce blood flow to the optic nerve, both of which can contribute to optic nerve damage. Blood pressure management is considered part of overall eye health.

Can cataract surgery affect glaucoma?

In some cases, cataract surgery may help lower eye pressure by improving fluid drainage. Your eye doctor may recommend this procedure as part of a broader treatment plan for certain types of glaucoma.

Conclusion

Understanding how glaucoma is diagnosed helps you take proactive steps towards maintaining eye health. A combination of comprehensive eye exams ensures an accurate glaucoma diagnosis.

When detected early, glaucoma treatment can help slow disease progression and support long-term vision.

Regular check-ups, awareness of risk factors, and prompt attention to sudden symptoms are vital components of maintaining eye health. Working closely with your eye doctor allows you to develop a tailored treatment plan that protects your vision.

If you’re due for a comprehensive eye exam or have concerns about eye pressure, optic nerve health, or your risk factors, our experienced eye doctors are here to guide you.

Book a consultation with Armadale Eye Clinic at (03) 9070 5753 to discuss your personalised glaucoma assessment and explore the treatment options available to support your long-term vision. Early evaluation can ensure your eyes receive the attention they deserve.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Reddy, N. (2024, February 5). Laser Surgery for Glaucoma: How It Works and What to Expect. GoodRx. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/glaucoma/glaucoma-surgery

Reiff Ellis, R. (2024, December 30). What is Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma? WebMD. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/acute-angle-closure-glaucoma

Tee-Melegrito, R. A. (2023, May 18). What Does Glaucoma Vision Look Like? Medical News Today. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/what-does-glaucoma-vision-look-like

The Healthline Editorial Team. (2025, April 8). What To Know About Glaucoma. Healthline. Retrieved November 24, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/glaucoma

How to Prevent Glaucoma? Ways to Manage the Possible Risks

November 14, 2022/0 Comments/in Armadale Eye Blogs /by The Armadale Eye Clinic Team

Around 300,000 Australian adults have glaucoma, but it is thought that half these people don’t even realise they have it. If you know you have an elevated glaucoma risk through a family history of glaucoma or other factors identified by your eye health professional, questions on how to prevent glaucoma may have already crossed your mind.

When it comes to discussing how to prevent glaucoma, while the straight answer may not be what you’re hoping for, there are still steps you can take to combat this blinding eye disease.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a type of eye disease known as an optic neuropathy. This is a descriptive term referring to disease and damage to the optic nerve. As the optic nerve is responsible for transmitting signals from the eyeball to the brain, if it becomes damaged, your sight will subsequently be affected. After cataracts, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness around the world. However, unlike cataracts, this blindness can’t be cured.

In most cases, the development of glaucoma is associated with elevated pressure inside the eye; this is known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Intraocular pressure is determined by the balance of aqueous fluid production to its drainage through a structure known as the anterior angle inside the eyeball. If this fluid is unable to be drained out at a sufficient rate, the IOP can rise. This can put the optic nerve at glaucoma risk. However, as we’ll see, elevated intraocular pressures don’t explain all cases of glaucoma.

Your eye surgeon and other eye health professionals will divide glaucoma into three broad subtypes:

Open-angle glaucoma. This is a type of glaucoma where the drainage structures of the eye appear open, but for some reason (not always understood), fluid is unable to drain out properly.
Closed-angle glaucoma. As the name suggests, the drainage angle is narrowed or closed, physically impeding the drainage of aqueous fluid and causing the IOP to rise.
Normotension or low-tension glaucoma. In this type of glaucoma, the intraocular pressure is still within a normal range, yet optic nerve damage is occurring. There are likely other underlying causes, such as compromised blood flow to the optic nerve.

How to Prevent Glaucoma – Is it Possible?

Glaucoma, in all its forms, is a complex disease. The eye health community doesn’t fully understand what causes it, why some people with all the glaucoma risk factors never develop it, and why some people with no risk factors do. So, when it comes to discussing how to prevent glaucoma, unfortunately, the blunt answer is that you can’t. However, there are ways you can reduce your glaucoma risk.

Manage Your Glaucoma Risk

There are a number of known glaucoma risk factors. Some of these can be controlled, while others can’t. It’s due to these uncontrollable risk factors (both those that are currently known and those that are yet to be discovered) that your eye surgeon will tell you that we cannot prevent this disease.

As far as we know so far, unmodifiable risk factors include:

Genetics. Mutations in certain genes are known to be associated with glaucoma. Family history can dramatically increase your risk of developing this eye disease yourself. If you have a parent or sibling with glaucoma, your likelihood increases up to 10-times.
Ethnicity. Although all ethnic backgrounds have the potential to develop glaucoma, Asians and Africans are known to be at the highest risk.
Age. Being older than 50 years is considered to be a factor for glaucoma. The older you get, the higher your risk. Older adults are at a higher likelihood of developing other eye health problems and general health issues, which can indirectly increase your glaucoma risk too.
Eye anatomy. If your anterior angle is naturally narrow, this will automatically elevate your risk of glaucoma. However, unlike the other unmodifiable risk factors, your eye surgeon can proactively treat this through a laser procedure if necessary.
Very high myopia (short-sightedness) or hyperopia (long-sightedness). Structural changes to the eyeball from these high prescriptions can be a risk factor for glaucoma.

Although you cannot eliminate your risk of glaucoma entirely, there are some risk factors that you do have some control over. Above all, maintaining regular visits with your optometrist or eye surgeon to check your eye health is crucial. The vision loss from glaucoma cannot be reversed, so the best course of action is to try and prevent it from progressing in the first place. There are a number of effective treatments that can help to slow or stop the progression of glaucomatous damage, but the first step is to be diagnosed.

Here are some risk factors you can control:

Stop smoking.
Treat any obstructive sleep apnoea.
Wear protective gear if you’re doing an activity with a risk of eye injury.
Manage any diabetes well.
Avoid taking corticosteroid medications, or keep a close watch on your intraocular pressures if it’s unavoidable.
Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.

It is also important to manage your intraocular pressures if they’re elevated, as high pressures increase your likelihood of glaucomatous vision loss. It is possible to have pressures above the normal range without developing glaucoma – this is often termed ocular hypertension. Your eye surgeon will make a decision through experience and your glaucoma test results about whether it’s recommended to proactively treat your IOP, even if there’s not yet any evidence of glaucoma. Treatment is always aimed at lowering the intraocular pressures, although there is some evidence that vitamin B3 supplementation may also be useful for protecting the optic nerve in glaucoma. Pressure-lowering treatments include laser procedures, eyedrop medications, or surgery.

Call us now on (03) 9070 5753 for a consultation.

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

References

Glaucoma
https://www.cera.org.au/conditions/glaucoma/

Epidemiology of Glaucoma: The Past, Present, and Predictions for the Future.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7769798/

Risk Factors for Glaucoma.
https://glaucoma.org.au/what-is-glaucoma/risk-factors-for-glaucoma