Question
QUESTION: I am 39 years old white female and had an eye exam today to get glasses for driving. I am near-sighted. I didn't have my eyes dilated but the doctor said the eyes looked strong and she didn't see any problems. Towards the end of the exam she gave me an air puff test. She said I had a assymetrical reading and I should come back for a second test another time.
I don't have any family history with glaucoma or have had any eye injuries. I am panicking though thinking about what this reading could mean. Could this be the onset of Glaucoma?
thanks!
ANSWER: Dear Kim,
When the eye pressure is recorded as high, a single test does not 'label' you as having Glaucoma.
This needs a repeat check, which they have asked you to do...that is correct.
if the pressure remains high, then further tests may be ordered like thickness of the cornea (pachymetry) to rule out false positives, checking field of vision etc, checking the optic disc etc.
The diagnosis is a step wise manner and only then is a diagnosis put across and the treatment plan..
So, do not panic...it is good that the doctor did this test as many do not do it and is a ery important screening test.
You seem to be in good hands, please go ahead with what is advised.
Best,
Dr Anand Shroff, MS (OPHTH), FICS
www.shroffeye.org
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you Doctor.. One more question.. The eye doctor giving me the exam didn't specifically say there was high pressure, just an assymetrical reading.(the two eyes were different?). Is that different than high pressure?
She said to either get my eyes dilated in the next 2-3 months or just come back for another puff test. Even though she said it wasn't an emergency, it's hard not to be anxious!
Answer
Dear Kim,
The air puff tests ONLY measures pressure, so if she said that the measurments were not symmetrical in regard to this test then it has to be for the eye pressure.
the dilated check also gives us an idea if there has been long standing pressure inside the eyes by looking at the optic disc etc. hence this test has been advised and also of course asked to repeat the pressure check.
Do not be anxious...does not help!
Best,
Dr Shroff
