What You Need to Know About Glaucoma Testing

March is Save Your Vision Month, a perfect time to prioritize your eye health. At 20/20 EyeVenue, we care about keeping the vision of our Westminster and Strasburg communities clear and healthy. One of the biggest threats to lifelong eyesight is glaucoma—often called the "silent thief of sight." Since glaucoma can develop without noticeable symptoms, regular testing is the only way to catch it early and protect your vision.

Why Is Glaucoma So Serious?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information to your brain. The most common type, open-angle glaucoma, typically develops slowly, without pain or warning signs. By the time symptoms appear, vision loss has often already occurred—and unfortunately, it’s irreversible.

However, early detection can slow or even prevent further damage. That’s why routine glaucoma testing is so important, especially if you have risk factors like:

• A family history of glaucoma

• Being over the age of 40

• High eye pressure (intraocular pressure)

• Medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure

• Frequent use of corticosteroids

What to Expect During a Glaucoma Test

At 20/20 EyeVenue, we use advanced technology to detect glaucoma in its earliest stages. During your comprehensive eye exam, we may perform one or more of the following tests:

• Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eye. Elevated pressure is a key risk factor for glaucoma.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Provides a detailed image of the optic nerve to check for damage.

• Visual Field Test: Evaluates your peripheral (side) vision to detect any blind spots, which can indicate glaucoma.

• Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea, which can impact eye pressure readings.

Each of these tests is quick and non-invasive, helping us build a complete picture of your eye health.

How Is Glaucoma Managed?

While there is no cure for glaucoma, early detection and consistent management can slow its progression and help preserve vision. Treatment typically focuses on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to reduce stress on the optic nerve. Depending on the severity of the condition, management options may include prescription eye drops, which help decrease eye pressure by either reducing fluid production or improving drainage. In some cases, oral medications may also be prescribed. 

For patients who need additional intervention, laser therapy (such as selective laser trabeculoplasty) can enhance fluid outflow, while minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) or traditional surgery may be recommended for more advanced cases.

Why Now Is the Best Time to Get Tested

If you live in Westminster, Strasburg, or nearby, now is the perfect time to schedule your eye exam. Glaucoma is most treatable when caught early, and routine screenings ensure we can act before it impacts your vision. Save Your Vision Month serves as a great reminder to take charge of your eye health—whether it's been a while since your last exam or you've never been tested for glaucoma before.

Don’t wait until you notice vision problems—by then, glaucoma may have already progressed. Schedule your eye exam with 20/20 EyeVenue, and let’s make sure your eyes are in top shape for years to come. Visit our office in Westminster or Strasburg, Colorado, or call (720) 740-0400 to book an appointment today.