Diagnosis

Early detection of open angle glaucoma is extremely important, because there are no early symptoms. Routine eye exams, common after age 45, are a major factor in early detection. People with a family history of glaucoma should be checked at intervals even in their 30s to establish a baseline. Initially, detection is based on intraocular pressure readings, but also includes observation of the optic nerve as well as evaluation of optic nerve function using visual field and other scanning tests, such as the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT).