The Importance of Glaucoma Screening

Eye health is important in every phase of life. Many eye conditions in their early stages, have no obvious signs or symptoms and annual exam is often the only way to detect eye conditions before they progress. In most cases, glaucoma goes undetected until it is advanced which can lead to significant damage.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye’s optic nerve. Usually, it occurs when fluid builds up in the front part of the eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure in your eye, ultimately damaging the optic nerve.

Glaucoma patients often experience gradual and subtle vision loss, which is virtually undetectable until it reaches advanced stages. The only sure way to diagnose glaucoma is with a complete eye exam. A glaucoma screening that only checks eye pressure is not enough to find glaucoma.

Types of Eye Exams for Glaucoma Screening

A complete eye exam includes five common tests to detect glaucoma. The five factors that should be checked before making a glaucoma diagnosis:

Tonometry
Ophthalmoscopy
Perimetry
Gonioscopy
Pachymetry

Tonometry measures the pressure within your eye. During tonometry, eye drops are used to numb the eye. A tiny instrument is used to touch the surface of your eye and flatten the cornea, which measures the pressure. A small amount of pressure is applied to the eye by a tiny device or by a warm puff of air.

Ophthalmoscopy – This test takes pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Your ophthalmologist dilates your pupils, then uses a special digital camera to capture images. Many ophthalmologists use a special machine called optical coherence tomography. You rest your chin on a machine and look into a lens. The machine takes pictures for a minute or two without touching your eye. Imagery shows the layers of eye tissue and maps the area.

Perimetry is a visual field test that produces a map of your complete field of vision. Visual field testing can also show how severe glaucoma is. Multiple tests may be used over time in glaucoma to determine how quickly it’s progressing.

Your ophthalmologist asks you to look at an object straight ahead, such as their nose. They may ask you to cover one eye at a time. ahead. After glaucoma has been diagnosed, visual field tests are usually done one to two times a year to check for any changes in your vision.

Gonioscopy shows the angle where your cornea (the clear outer layer of your eye) meets your iris (the colored part of your eye). Your eye’s drainage system is at this angle. Your ophthalmologist uses eye drops to numb your eye, then touches your cornea with a special lens. The lens indicates whether the angle is open or closed. The drainage system may be blocked if the angle is closed, indicating glaucoma.

Pachymetry is a simple, painless test to measure the thickness of your cornea. Your ophthalmologist numbs your eye with drops, then touches your eye with a small probe to measure the thickness of your cornea.

If you have one or more risk factors of glaucoma or are over age 40 and have not been screened, talk to one of our ophthalmologists. Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900(Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

Sources: American Academy of Ophthalmology, Glaucoma Research Foundation

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.