Glaucoma Screening
Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” — nearly half of those affected don't know it. There are no symptoms in early stages, but vision lost to glaucoma can never be recovered. Screening is the only way to catch it before it steals your sight.
What Is Glaucoma Screening?
A glaucoma screening is a targeted series of diagnostic tests designed to detect signs of optic nerve damage and elevated intraocular pressure — before any vision is lost. Unlike a routine eye exam, a dedicated glaucoma screening goes deeper into the structural and functional health of your optic nerve.
At Hill Country Eye Center, our screening protocol uses advanced imaging, precise pressure measurement, and functional vision mapping to identify glaucoma at its earliest, most treatable stage.
Our Comprehensive Glaucoma Screening Protocol
Intraocular Pressure (IOP)
We measure the fluid pressure inside the eye using tonometry. Elevated IOP is a primary risk factor for glaucoma — though normal pressure doesn't rule it out (normal-tension glaucoma exists).
Optic Nerve Imaging (OCT)
Optical coherence tomography creates detailed cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer — detecting structural damage before vision loss occurs.
Visual Field Testing
Automated perimetry maps your peripheral vision — detecting characteristic patterns of glaucomatous visual field loss that may not be noticed in daily activities.
Gonioscopy
A special lens examines the drainage angle where fluid exits the eye. This determines whether you have open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma — which guides treatment decisions.
Corneal Thickness (Pachymetry)
Thin corneas are an independent risk factor for glaucoma development and progression. Pachymetry helps interpret IOP readings more accurately.
Optic Nerve Exam
Direct examination of the optic nerve head through a dilated pupil reveals characteristic cupping and pallor — key signs of glaucomatous damage to the nerve.
High-Risk Groups for Glaucoma
Anyone can develop glaucoma — but certain groups carry significantly higher risk. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends more frequent screening if any of the following apply to you:
People with combinations of multiple high-risk factors can, in certain cases, reduce the chances of developing glaucoma by about half using preventive eye drop medications. Early screening makes this intervention possible.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Screening Today
By the time glaucoma symptoms appear, significant vision is already lost. Annual screenings for high-risk patients can detect glaucoma years before vision is affected — when treatment is most effective.