Patients who receive routine eye exams are tested for a variety of conditions through visual acuity screening, glaucoma screening, and reviews for color blindness and healthy eye movements. These important steps taken by your eye doctor can reduce or prevent the effects of harmful conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Dr. Ron Sealock and his staff in Dothan, Alabama, are committed to finding glaucoma in patients before it can cause vision damage and blindness — and they’re interested in educating patients on why screening is important. 

Glaucoma Screening Guide 

How it Works

Glaucoma is the third leading cause of blindness in the world. This is why your eye doctor conducts glaucoma screenings with a variety of tools, including the eye chart. This helps determine the sharpness of your central vision, which is affected by the disease. A slit lamp is used to examine the front parts of your eye, while a small light is used to determine if your eyes respond normally to light stimulation. 

Intraocular pressure will also be examined. This involves the use of a tonometer, which applies a gentle, warm puff of air to the surface of your eye. If glaucoma is suspected, your specialist may also use an instrument called a goniolens to check for eye drainage issues and determine if your condition is the open or closed angle version of the disease. 

Finally, your pupils will be dilated with special eye drops. This allows for a better view of the back part of your eye, and if necessary, computer imaging of your optic nerve, which is often damaged in later stages of glaucoma. When the examination is complete, your eye doctor will have a better idea of if your eyes are healthy or if you have glaucoma and need further treatment. Your eyes may be blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours, so wear sunglasses and arrange for a ride home from your appointment. 

Why It’s Important 

Glaucoma screening as part of your regular eye exam is the only way to diagnose the disease. Without proper diagnosis, glaucoma can lead to serious vision problems and blindness. Having an annual checkup to evaluate for disease and the need for an updated eyeglasses prescription is the best way to prevent the damaging effects that glaucoma can have on the eyes. 

Receive a vision checkup each year to evaluate your eyes for glaucoma, particularly if the disease runs in your family or if you have extra pressure on your eyes from conditions like diabetes. To receive a glaucoma screening from a qualified eye doctor, call Dr. Ron Sealock at (334) 793-9607. For more information about why screenings are important, visit their website. You can also learn more about the doctor by following him on Facebook.