Glaucoma Assessment

At Ellis & Thompson Optometrists, we offer a private 4D HD Glaucoma Assessment performed by a Senior Specialist Optometrist. Our Specialist Optometrists have extensive experience working in hospital Glaucoma clinics and will include vital tests required for accurate diagnosis.

Find out more about Glaucoma

What is included in the Glaucoma Assessment?

1. Heidelberg 4D HD Spectralis OCT Scan

With the new addition of 4D HD imaging technology, we are now able to identify and monitor the smallest change and that changes everything. The SPECTRALIS 4D HD OCT scanner uses a patented eye-tracking system that produces 3- dimensional images of the eye, allowing us to more easily identify those at risk of eye disease.

The tracking system allows the scan to be placed in exactly the same place on every visit, giving a true 4D view of change over time. This helps reveal eye disease which may not yet be noticeable or detectable with a traditional visual exam.

2. Humphrey Visual Field Analyser

This examination detects dysfunction in central and peripheral vision which may be caused by Glaucomatous damage. The Humphreys Visual Field Test is a Gold Standard test and consists of a central fixation light and blinking test lights in the periphery. This test measures the sensitivity of vision and areas that appear grey or black on the test results reflect areas of vision that may be blurred or missing. At Ellis & Thompson Optometrists, we can tailor the type of test to best monitor disease progression and adjust treatment appropriately to help monitor and preserve vision.

3. Gonioscopy

The third test undertaken for suspect glaucoma cases assesses the angle where the fluid (Aqueous humour) leaves the eye. This is viewed using a large contact lens called a Gonioscope gently placed on the surface of the anaesthetised cornea. The Optometrist will assess if the angle is angle is open, closed or somewhere in between and evaluate the risk of glaucoma progression.

4. Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

This test is performed to determine the intraocular pressure produced by a fluid (Aqueous Humour) within the eye and is a crucial test in the evaluation of patients at risk from Glaucoma. Goldmann Applanation is regarded as the Gold Standard test among the profession and is performed by the installation of anaesthetic eye drops followed by the use of a small probe to gently flatten part of the cornea. The intraocular pressure is measured by calculating the amount of force needed to flatten the cornea. This test yields reliable and repeatable results, superseding the non-contact or ‘puff of air’ pressure tests and is, therefore, the only accepted test by Glaucoma Ophthalmologists.

5. Corneal Pachymetry

The intraocular pressures measured during tonometry are dependent upon the thickness of the cornea and pachymetry provides invaluable information in the management of suspect glaucoma patients. For example, a thicker cornea may mean less reason to worry about glaucoma as patients with thicker corneas may show a higher pressure reading than actually exists. This is a quick and painless test and involves the application of a sterile pachymeter probe onto the anaesthetised cornea to obtain a corneal thickness reading.

A Glaucoma Assessment is Recommended for:

• Patients over 40, with a family history of Glaucoma – Patients with a family history of Glaucoma are more susceptible to being diagnosed with the same condition, especially over the age of 40. These patients require additional tests and a longer appointment to carefully monitor for any changes to their eye health.

• Suspect Glaucoma – Patients that have been advised to have further investigation as they may have developed Glaucoma. This may have been recommended during a routine eye examination or maybe a hospital/GP recommendation.