2. Not Reactive to Light
As mentioned above, patients with acute-closure glaucoma will have eyes that appear red. Another symptom that doctors look at is large pupils, which are non-reactive to light. The person’s cornea may seem cloudy to the naked eye, and an ophthalmologist (a medical professional that specializes in vision and eye care, also referred to as an “eye” M.D.) will generally notice corneal swelling, visual acuity, a closed drainage angle, and increased fluid pressure on the eye.
As mentioned above, it is important to make regular visits for an eye exam. Should your doctor believe that you have glaucoma, the tests around diagnosis do not take too long and are painless. A doctor will use drops to dilate a patient’s pupils to examine the eyes. They conduct a “tonometry” test to measure intraocular pressure (IOP), which is done to test levels within a normal range, and check field vision and peripheral vision to ensure you are not losing vision on either side. Last, but not least, a doctor will also review a patient’s optic nerve for glaucoma signs. Photographs may be taken to spot any differences during future visits.
