Information About A Free Glaucoma Eye Test

Glaucoma, in basic terms, is an abnormal increase in the fluid pressure within the eye that in time can lead to impaired vision or complete blindness. The higher than normal build-up of intraocular pressure (IOP) damages the optic nerve and fibers but it can, thankfully, be treated with medication and/or surgery if diagnosed early. Symptoms of the ailment usually manifest as 'blind spots' in the peripheral vision, but blurred or phantom images are also known to occur, as is nausea and severe pain. Which is why having a glaucoma eye test is a good idea, if only to give yourself peace of mind. A free glaucoma eye test would be wonderful, but unfortunately, glaucoma exams do not come cheap.

For those people who are eligible, there do exist organizations (such as EyeCare America and Prevent Blindness America) that offer free glaucoma screenings. Moreover, some institutions do provide free screenings from time to time, so check with your local sight centers and optometrists for more information. The elderly, those over 60 years of age, are typically given free glaucoma eye examinations under the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK.

For others, peace of mind comes at a price. Consulting an eye professional, although preferable and wholly recommended, can cost in excess of a hundred dollars. Online glaucoma eye screening is available at a fraction of the price of conventional tests and the results can be evaluated by a specialist or your own doctor. The reason for the expense is that glaucoma optical tests need to be thorough. There are four main tests:

• Tonometry
  
• Ophthalmoscopy
  
• Perimetry
  
• Gonioscopy

Typically, a glaucoma eye test comprises only Tonometry and Ophthalmoscopy evaluations. The first requires the eye to be numbed with drops and is used to gauge the inner pressure of the eye, while the latter examines the inside of the eye using a special device (called, incidentally, an ophthalmoscope).

For eye drops, contact lenses and your every other ophthalmic requirement -- no free glaucoma tests, sorry -- the links to the right of the page will take you exactly where you need to go. And believe it or not, the links are free! Now that's service.

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