The diagnosis of this condition can only be made by eye doctors. Especially in the most common type of glaucoma called chronic open-angle glaucoma, if the intraocular pressure is not very high, the disease progresses silently without any noticeable symptoms. Glaucoma is often diagnosed incidentally during routine eye examinations or for other reasons when patients visit their doctors. Therefore, measuring eye pressure during an eye examination should not be neglected. Only eye doctors can provide the treatment for this disease. Eye pressure is measured using devices called tonometers, the optic nerve is examined during a fundus examination, and specific tests for glaucoma may be conducted if deemed necessary by the eye doctor. These tests are performed on patients as deemed necessary by the eye doctor. In addition, in some cases, glaucoma may present itself as an acute glaucoma attack, characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure, severe eye pain, headache, redness of the eye, nausea, vomiting, and other intense symptoms. In such cases, the diagnosis is straightforward, and immediate treatment is necessary. The best method to detect glaucoma is to undergo regular eye examinations. During these examinations, eye doctors perform the following tests to diagnose glaucoma and evaluate its progression:

• Measurement of eye pressure (Intraocular Pressure): There are currently two commonly used methods. In one method, the eye is numbed with eye drops, and a device is placed against the eye. In the other method, measurement is done with air pressure, and no eye drops are required.
• Examination of the drainage angle of the eye: This method is used when there are suspicions from other tests.
• Examination of the optic nerve (Ophthalmoscopy): The optic nerves are examined by conducting a fundus examination. Cupping of the optic nerve, which occurs due to elevated intraocular pressure, is observed.

Normal Optic Nerve Optic Nerve Cupping in Glaucoma Patients Visual Field Testing: Functional damage to the optic nerve can be demonstrated through visual field testing. Computerized testing methods are commonly preferred today. During this test, the patient places their chin on a hemispherical device, and they are asked to press a button whenever they see a light. At the end of the test, the computer provides a printout of the visual field. Evaluation of visual field functions helps identify any visual field defects associated with damage to the optic nerve. Normal Visual Fields Visual Field Defects in Glaucoma Assessment of Optic Nerve Head and Nerve Fiber: Various methods such as Nerve Fiber Analysis (NFA) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) are used to determine the presence and degree of optic nerve damage. Nerve Fiber Analysis (NFA) measures the thickness of nerve fibers. In glaucoma, thinning of nerve fibers is observed. Optic Coherence Tomography (OCT) is used to evaluate the optic nerve head in glaucoma. Corneal thickness is measured for the diagnosis of glaucoma. Monitoring of Glaucoma Glaucoma patients are monitored by evaluating the level of intraocular pressure, the condition of the optic nerve, and the visual field. Treatment decisions, whether medication or surgery, are based on these findings. Remember that anyone can develop glaucoma. The only way to prevent glaucoma-related vision loss is through early diagnosis. Therefore, regular eye examinations at appropriate intervals are crucial.