The diagnosis of glaucoma is usually made clinically and requires a comprehensive eye examination, including slit lamp, applanation tonometry, gonioscopy and dilated stereoscopic evaluation of the optic disc and retina.
Automated perimetry is obtained if glaucoma is suspected. This establishes the presence of functional damage and provides a baseline for follow-up. Imaging techniques are not essential for the diagnosis but may have a role to play in the follow-up.
We recommend a comprehensive eye examination for every clinic patient with the objective of detecting all potentially sight-threatening diseases, including glaucoma.The patient usually does not present with a diagnosis of glaucoma for evaluation. Irrespective of the presenting (perhaps trivial) complaints, if we are serious about prevention of blindness, it is the responsibility of the examining ophthalmologist to rule out all potentially serious ocular pathology, including glaucoma, in all patients who seek care.