How Technology is Changing Glaucoma Diagnosis and Monitoring
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can progress without noticeable symptoms. The good news? Advances in eye care technology are transforming how doctors diagnose and monitor this condition—making it easier to detect earlier and manage more effectively.
At Mosaddegh Eye Institute, we use some of the most advanced tools available today to protect our patients’ vision.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
OCT is one of the most powerful tools in glaucoma care. It uses light waves to take cross-sectional images of the retina and optic nerve, allowing doctors to see the smallest changes in nerve fiber thickness.
- Detects damage earlier than traditional tests
- Monitors subtle changes over time
- Provides a detailed “map” of your optic nerve health
This level of precision helps us tailor treatments to each patient and track whether therapies are effectively slowing the disease.
Tonometry and Pachymetry: Eye Pressure and Corneal Thickness
Measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) is a cornerstone of glaucoma diagnosis. But corneal thickness also plays a vital role in getting accurate readings.
- Tonometry measures the pressure inside the eye. Modern options include Goldmann applanation (the gold standard) as well as rebound and handheld devices for quick and comfortable testing.
- Pachymetry (pachys) measures corneal thickness. A thicker or thinner cornea can affect IOP readings, sometimes masking true pressure levels.
By combining tonometry and pachymetry, we gain a more complete picture of a patient’s true glaucoma risk.
Widefield Retinal Imaging: Optos Silverstone
The Optos Silverstone is a next-generation ultra-widefield retinal imaging system that provides a 200° view of the retina in a single capture. For glaucoma patients, this is a game changer.
- Captures high-resolution images without dilation in most cases
- Combines ultra-widefield imaging with OCT scanning
- Allows detailed evaluation of the optic nerve and surrounding retina
- Detects both glaucoma damage and other eye conditions in one exam
By giving doctors a clearer view of the optic nerve head—where glaucoma damage begins—this technology helps identify changes earlier and track progression with greater accuracy.
Virtual Field Testing
Traditional visual field testing can be time-consuming and uncomfortable for patients. Virtual field devices are changing that by offering more convenient, portable, and patient-friendly options.
- Allows for visual field testing in a VR headset
- Reduces fatigue and improves test reliability
- Potential for at-home monitoring in the future
Better testing means we can more accurately assess functional vision loss and track how glaucoma affects patients in daily life.
The Future of Glaucoma Care
From OCT and pachymetry to Optos Silverstone imaging, and virtual field testing technology is helping us detect glaucoma earlier, monitor it more precisely, and personalize treatments more effectively.
At Mosaddegh Eye Institute, we’re proud to offer these advanced diagnostic tools so our patients can feel confident they’re receiving cutting-edge care.
Concerned About High Eye Pressure or Glaucoma?
Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our glaucoma specialists in San Francisco. Early detection can make all the difference in preserving your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
OCT is an imaging technology that creates detailed cross-sections of the retina and optic nerve, helping detect glaucoma damage earlier than traditional tests.
Pachymetry measures corneal thickness, which can influence eye pressure readings. Knowing this ensures more accurate glaucoma risk assessment.
It combines ultra-widefield retinal imaging with OCT, allowing doctors to see both the retina and optic nerve in greater detail without dilation in most cases.
Yes. Virtual field testing provides accurate, patient-friendly results and may eventually allow for at-home monitoring of glaucoma progression.
