Significance

• Glaucoma refers to several eye diseases that can cause blindness; it's usually caused by optic nerve damage from too much fluid in the eye.
  
  

Identification

• Tests for glaucoma include an eye pressure exam, an optic nerve exam, a peripheral vision test and cornea measurement.
  
  

Results

• If the results of your glaucoma tests show that your eye pressure is causing optic nerve damage, your doctor will probably start immediate glaucoma treatment.
  
  

Warning

• There are no symptoms of glaucoma until you begin to lose your sight, so you should have a glaucoma test at each eye exam.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• There's no way to prevent or cure glaucoma, but early diagnosis can prolong your eyesight. Glaucoma tests are painless and your doctor can diagnose the condition immediately.