Glaucoma Screening in New Paltz, NY: What a Real Evaluation Includes

Why Glaucoma Is Often Missed

Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans — approximately half unknowingly. Because it begins with peripheral vision loss that the brain compensates for, most patients feel nothing until the disease is advanced. The window for effective intervention is precisely when patients have no symptoms.

What a Comprehensive Glaucoma Screen Includes

Intraocular pressure (IOP) — an important risk factor but not a standalone test. Many glaucoma patients have normal pressure (normal-tension glaucoma); many with elevated pressure never develop glaucoma.

Optic nerve evaluation — the clinical cornerstone. We examine and photograph the optic nerve head at every exam, comparing year-over-year to detect changes in cup-to-disc ratio, focal notching, or nerve fiber layer defects that precede visual field loss.

OCT (optical coherence tomography) — measures retinal nerve fiber layer thickness around the optic nerve with micrometer precision. Thinning often predates detectable visual field loss by several years.

Visual field testing — maps peripheral vision to identify areas of loss. Used when optic nerve or OCT findings raise concern, and for ongoing monitoring in established disease.

Pachymetry — measures corneal thickness, which affects IOP interpretation. Thin corneas cause underestimation of true IOP — critical in glaucoma risk assessment.

Annual comprehensive exams provide adequate glaucoma screening for most adults. If you have risk factors — family history, elevated pressure, or African or Hispanic ancestry — don't skip your exam. Book at Harnos Optometry.