View the Health Heart Book

Free

E-Newsletters

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer
Connect with others who've been there. Share stories. Learn. Join Mayo Clinic's
online community.

Preparing for your appointment

By Mayo Clinic staff

In most cases, glaucoma doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms until the disease has caused permanent damage. Ask your primary care doctor how often you should see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for a comprehensive eye exam and stick with that schedule.

If you have any new eye symptoms or vision problems, make an appointment with your ophthalmologist or ask your doctor for a referral.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • List any symptoms you've been having, and for how long.
  • Write down your key medical information, including other conditions with which you've been diagnosed and all medications and supplements you're taking.
  • List any history of eye problems, such as vision changes or eye discomfort.
  • Write down questions to ask your doctor. Creating your list of questions in advance can help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

Below are some basic questions to ask your doctor. If any additional questions occur to you during your visit, don't hesitate to ask.

  • Do I have signs of glaucoma?
  • What tests do I need to confirm a diagnosis?
  • What treatment approach do you recommend?
  • Do I need to follow any activity restrictions?
  • What other self-care measures should I be taking?
  • What is the long-term outlook in my case?
  • How often should I be seen for follow-up care?
  • Should I see a specialist?
  • I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?

What to expect from your doctor
A doctor who sees you for possible glaucoma is likely to ask you a number of questions, including:

  • Have you had any eye discomfort or vision problems?
  • Do you have any other signs or symptoms that concern you?
  • Do you have any family history of eye problems, including glaucoma?
  • What eye screening tests have you had, and when?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any other medical conditions?
  • What medications are you currently taking, including vitamins and supplements?
Tests and diagnosis Complications
References
  1. Ramulu P, et al. Glaucoma. In: Yanoff M, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201760123-9/0/1869/522.html?tocnode=56525066&fromURL=522.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04332-8..X0001-7--p10_4129. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  2. Traynor MP, et al. Glaucoma. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy 2010. 61st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00003-X--sc0030&uniq=201760123&isbn=978-1-4160-6642-2. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  3. Ferri FF. Primary angle-closure. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201760123-10/1000369016/2088/265.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00016-2--sc0065_5445. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  4. Ferri FF. Glaucoma, Chronic Open-Angle. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009.  http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201760123-10/1000369016/2088/264.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00016-2--sc0060_5420. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  5. Facts about glaucoma. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/glaucoma/glaucoma_facts.asp. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  6. Care of the patient with open angle glaucoma. St. Louis, MO: American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/documents/CPG-9.pdf. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  7. Are you at risk for glaucoma? Glaucoma Research Foundation. http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/are_you_at_risk.php. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  8. Jacobs DS. Primary open-angle glaucoma. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  9. Alternative medicine. Glaucoma Research Foundation. http://www.glaucoma.org/treating/alternative_med.php. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  10. Eye drops delay onset of glaucoma in people at higher risk. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/news/pressreleases/061302.asp. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  11. Glaucoma support group. Glaucoma Service Foundation to Prevent Blindness. http://www.willsglaucoma.org/support.htm. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  12. Common glaucoma treatments. National Glaucoma Research. http://www.ahaf.org/glaucoma/treatment/common/. Accessed May 21, 2010.
  13. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 30, 2010.
DS00283 July 17, 2010

© 1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger