Mobile Banner

What is a Glaucoma Evaluation?

Glaucoma tests are used to screen for and diagnose glaucoma. Diagnosing glaucoma as early as possible ensures we can start treatment, slow the progression of the disease, and prevent vision loss.

If we suspect glaucoma, we may run one or more tests to determine the type of glaucoma and the proper treatment, including:

  • Eye angle exam
  • Corneal thickness measurement
  • Dilated eye exam
  • Eye pressure check
  • Optic nerve imaging
  • Visual field test

Who Needs A Glaucoma Evaluation?

We recommend some form of testing for glaucoma to all our patients. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, an evaluation can determine if you’re at risk for the disorder or if you have glaucoma.

There are several risk factors for glaucoma that make regular testing necessary, including:
  • Over age 60: Glaucoma is much more common in older people
  • African Americans over age 40: Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African Americans.
  • Asian Americans: Asian Americans have a higher risk for a type of open-angle glaucoma called normal-pressure or normal-tension glaucoma.
  • Family history of glaucoma: You can inherit glaucoma from your parents
  • Certain medical conditions: Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk of glaucoma.

Recent News

Vital Glaucoma Information for Wilmington, DE Residents 

Read More
Vital Glaucoma Information for Wilmington, DE Residents 

What to Expect During A Glaucoma Evaluation

During your glaucoma evaluation, we’ll first start by dilating your eyes and testing your eye pressure, either using a puff of air or by gently pressing a special tool against the eye. If the pressure is high, you’re likely to have glaucoma. Your specialist will also use optic nerve imaging to look at the optic nerve and check for damage.

Other tests we may run include a cornea thickness test, where we place a small device on your cornea to measure it. This gives us more accurate information on how high your eye pressure really is. We may also perform a visual field test to check if your peripheral vision has been affected and a gonioscopy to look at the drainage system in the eye.

After A Glaucoma Evaluation

Because we dilate your eyes to perform a glaucoma evaluation, you will need to have someone drive you home from your appointment. You’ll also want to bring sunglasses for after your exam as your eyes will be sensitive to light.

If your eye care specialist diagnoses glaucoma, your treatment will depend on the type of condition you have. They will discuss treatment options that will work best for your needs. Treatment won’t cure the disease or restore any vision you have already lost, but it can prevent further vision loss. Glaucoma treatment options can include medication, eye drops, eye surgery, and laser surgery.

Schedule A Consultation

If you suspect you have glaucoma or haven’t had your regular check-up in a while, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team at Eye Consultants! Call our Wilmington, DE office at 302-581-8287 or use our online contact form. We proudly serve the Dover, Middletown, Newark, Smyrna, Townsend, and Wilmington areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should glaucoma patients be checked?

Those diagnosed with glaucoma should be seen by their provider at least once a year, however, some may need more frequent follow-up. Regular appointments are crucial for monitoring the progression of your disease and for making any necessary adjustments to your treatment.

What are the guidelines for glaucoma screening?

People at risk for glaucoma should undergo regular screenings in order to catch the disease early. The frequency of glaucoma screenings will change as you enter certain age groups for example, people under the age of 40 will need to be checked every 1-2 years, while people over the age of 65 should be checked every 6-12 months.

How long does a glaucoma evaluation take?

A glaucoma evaluation involves a series of different tests. Some tests can take as little as one minute, while others may take up to 30 minutes. In total, a glaucoma evaluation takes up to two hours to perform.

What should I avoid before a glaucoma screening?

Before a glaucoma test, you will want to avoid drinking alcohol, lots of coffee, and straining your eyes with too much computer work. These can all cause your blood vessels to dilate and can interfere with imaging and test results.

How quickly does glaucoma progress?

The progression of glaucoma can vary from person to person with some patients experiencing rapid progression and others gradual. While glaucoma can progress to total blindness, this can be prevented by routine follow up with your eyecare provider.

What are the screening methods for glaucoma?

Screening methods for glaucoma can include reading your interocular pressure (IOP), evaluating your optic nerve, visual field test, and measuring the thickness of your cornea. Additional tests may be required, but they will be determined during your consultation.

Can you drive after a glaucoma test?

Glaucoma tests commonly include dilation of the eyes. This can cause blurred vision and may make it difficult for you to drive home. While you are permitted to drive following a glaucoma test, some patients arrange for a ride home from the evaluation just to be safe.

What symptoms arise with glaucoma?

Symptoms of glaucoma include eye pain, eye pressure, headaches, rainbow halos around lights, tunnel vision, blurred vision, blind spots, nausea, and redness. Symptoms may vary from person to person and can often occur gradually.

How long does a glaucoma visit take?

A new patient glaucoma visit can take up to 2 hours from start to finish. This includes a series of short exams throughout the visit. Rest assured that these tests are not painful and each test is crucial in the determination of your glaucoma severity.

Dr. Heather Dealy

Dr. Heather Dealy

Board-Certified Ophthalmologist & Glaucoma Specialist

Dr. Dealy is a dedicated and experienced ophthalmic practitioner and surgeon who enjoys taking care of patients and invests particular attention to their surgical care. She began her career in private practice in 2004 in the Wilmington, Delaware community and has been ranked among the Top Physicians in New Castle County in the Delaware Today… Continue reading Dr. Heather Dealy

Read More

Begin Your Journey Here

Patient Resource Image
Patient Resource Image Mob

Contact Us Today

Your health is our top priority and we look forward to assisting you in your eyecare journey. Please call the office at (302) 998-2333 or fill out our contact form to schedule your appointment.

Request Exam
Watermark Image

This is an excellent facility. I have glaucoma and have been treated by Dr. Dealy for over four years. Mine is not an easy case and Dr. Dealy has been so knowledgeable and thorough in answering all questions. She has always spent the time necessary to put me at ease. The front office staff are kind, welcoming, and genuine.

Professional, but friendly. Staff, including the doctors, are knowledgeable, ensuring patient understands diagnosis and treatment options.

When it comes to my eyes, it’s one less thing I have to worry about because I know Eye Consultants is taking care of all my needs.

Next Icon
Prev Icon
Logo
Logo
Logo
Logo

Next Level
Eye Care &
Cosmetics

Comprehensive Services

From routine eye checks to glaucoma treatment to cataract surgery, our team at Eye Consultants provides a full range of eye care services to ensure each and every patient who walks through our doors receives the top-quality care they deserve.

View All
Comprehensive Eye Services

Comprehensive
Eye Services

Keeping up with your regular eye checkups is important to maintaining healthy eyes and catching any concerns before they turn into issues. Our comprehensive services allow us to monitor your eye health and provide guidance for treatments and maintenance.

Visit Page
Botox® & Juvéderm®

Cosmetic
Procedures

Our team also offers cosmetic eye procedures, including blepharoplasty, dermal fillers, and Botox, so patients can simultaneously address their aesthetic concerns and their eye health.

Visit Page

Surgery

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, the only way to have a cataract removed is through surgery. Our surgeons have performed thousands of successful cataract surgeries and will make sure you are fully prepared for your procedure.

Visit Page
Contact Lenses

Contact Lenses

Properly fitting contact lenses are vital to not only your vision but also your eye health. We’ll help you determine if contact lenses are right for you and ensure your lenses fit so comfortably that you’ll forget they’re there.

Visit Page
Dry Eye

Dry Eye

Say goodbye to dry eyes with the help of Eye Consultants! We’ll determine the cause of your dry eyes and build a customized treatment plan to help you finally find the relief you deserve.

Visit Page
Eyewear

Eyewear

Currently at Eye Consultants we offer a full range of refractive services, including determining your glasses prescription. Coming soon in 2025, we will proudly offer optical solutions for our patients who need glasses.

Visit Page