How do you screen for glaucoma?

Tests to screen for glaucoma include:

• Tonometry: There are different types of tonometers to measure eye pressure. An air-puff tonometer releases air and tests the eye's resistance to it. An applanation tonometer makes contact with the eye and measures pressure that’s needed to flatten the cornea. 
• Visual field & acuity testing:Field visual testing measures both central and peripheral vision. A visual field test assesses how various areas of the retina perceive dim light. A visual acuity test assesses sight at different distances, about twenty feet from an eye chart. Vision testing assesses for any damage to the function of the eye.
• Pachymetry: The use of an ultrasonic wave device determines how thick the cornea is and evaluates the risk of eye pressure damaging the optic nerve.
• Optic nerve imaging: Imaging tests like stereotactic optic nerve photos, laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography reveal damage to the optic nerve structure. 
• Ophthalmoscopy: Dr McClunan examines the inside of the eye and uses a special tool to look inside the pupil. This procedure will help determine if there’s any damage to the fluid drainage systems or optic nerve due to glaucoma. 

How do you screen for diabetic retinopathy?

Unmanaged diabetes can lead to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when retinal blood vessels sustain damage, leak or become blocked. 

A dilated eye exam determines if there is anything wrong with the retina. Eye drops widen the pupils, and a camera captures pictures of the backend of the eye. 

If there are no changes to the eye, another test will occur again in a year. If there are some changes, then a laser scan of the retina may be performed. Background retinopathy means there are only slight changes to one's vision.  Proliferative retinopathy is severe and happens when there's significant damage to the eye. For severe retinopathy, laser or surgery treatment may be needed and regular eye screenings must occur more often. 

Are you a candidate for LASIK?

LASIK is a safe and effective corrective eye procedure. Screening for LASIK can be a complicated process because some patients don’t qualify for the procedure and may be better suited to alternative treatment options. There are concerning conditions like dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, corneal structural irregularities and diabetes to consider before LASIK can be considered. Since the launch of Atlantic Eye Laser Centre in Foreshore, Cape Town, Dr McClunan and his team have been performing Femto LASIK, SMILE, Presbyond and PRK procedures. If you would like to check your eligibility for Laser vision correction, then complete a self-test now.