What screening test is used for glaucoma?

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Multiple Choice

What screening test is used for glaucoma?

Measuring intraocular pressure with tonometry is the screening test used for glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, so estimating the pressure inside the eye is a quick, noninvasive way to identify individuals who may need a fuller evaluation. Tonometry is practical in clinical settings and helps flag those who should undergo further assessment of the optic nerve and visual fields. Remember that while high pressure raises concern, glaucoma can occur with normal pressure and not everyone with high pressure has glaucoma. So tonometry is a screening step, not a definitive diagnosis. If IOP is elevated or optic nerve changes are suspected, additional testing—such as optic nerve examination via fundoscopy and formal visual field testing—are used to confirm glaucoma and determine its severity. Fundoscopy can reveal optic nerve cupping, but it depends on exam skill and isn’t by itself a standalone screen. Visual field testing detects functional loss but is more time-consuming and typically used after initial screening raises suspicion. Gonioscopy assesses the angle of the anterior chamber and helps classify glaucoma, not as a primary screening test.

Measuring intraocular pressure with tonometry is the screening test used for glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure is a major risk factor for glaucoma, so estimating the pressure inside the eye is a quick, noninvasive way to identify individuals who may need a fuller evaluation. Tonometry is practical in clinical settings and helps flag those who should undergo further assessment of the optic nerve and visual fields.

Remember that while high pressure raises concern, glaucoma can occur with normal pressure and not everyone with high pressure has glaucoma. So tonometry is a screening step, not a definitive diagnosis. If IOP is elevated or optic nerve changes are suspected, additional testing—such as optic nerve examination via fundoscopy and formal visual field testing—are used to confirm glaucoma and determine its severity.

Fundoscopy can reveal optic nerve cupping, but it depends on exam skill and isn’t by itself a standalone screen. Visual field testing detects functional loss but is more time-consuming and typically used after initial screening raises suspicion. Gonioscopy assesses the angle of the anterior chamber and helps classify glaucoma, not as a primary screening test.

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