Why a “puff test” at the optometrist is a MUST!
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects almost 1.5 million people worldwide. The tricky thing about glaucoma is that its warning signs can be very subtle. In fact, a high percentage of the over one million people who are suffering likely do not even know they have the disease. For this reason, annual comprehensive eye exams that include a glaucoma test are vital to maintaining your eye health.
How does a glaucoma test work?
There are two types of glaucoma tests. The one I had was called the “air puff” test. To take this test, I had to set my chin in the designated space and stare at a small light. I was asked to open my eyes as large as I could and then, poof! Before I knew what was happening a puff of air blew right into my eye.
Did it hurt? Not at all. There was a bit of a surprise factor, because, although the optometrist warned me it was coming, it still felt unexpected.
What Does the Test Do?
The test checked the pressure in my eyes by blowing the air across the surface of the eye. The other type of glaucoma test is slightly more involved. In this test, special eye numbing drops are used and then a machine touches the surface of the eye to measure the pressure.
My optometrist explained that both of these glaucoma tests determine if you’re experiencing increased eye pressure, a direct indicator of glaucoma. Increased eye pressure alone is not evidence of glaucoma. There are other tests that are part of a routine eye exam that will either confirm or rule out the existence of glaucoma.
Though I passed my glaucoma test without a problem. My optometrist checked my retina as well as the optic nerve at the back of my eyes in order to make sure there were no signs of the disease.
What are other Warning Signs for Glaucoma?
Glaucoma can affect anyone, but if you fall into one or more of the categories below, you are especially at risk for developing the disease:
· Over 45 years of age
· African descent
· Nearsighted
· Diabetic
· History of eye injuries
· Farsighted
· History of increased eye pressure
· Cortisone user
Protect yourself against glaucoma by scheduling regular eye exams at your closest America’s Best store!
