---
title: How is glaucoma diagnosed?
description: "Glaucoma is diagnosed by assessing the optic nerve, measuring intraocular pressure, and testing peripheral vision. A combination of structural and functional tests is used rather than pressure alone. ## Key Tests Examination includes optic nerve evaluation with a slit lamp,…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/how-is-glaucoma-diagnosed/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# How is glaucoma diagnosed?

Glaucoma is diagnosed by assessing the optic nerve, measuring intraocular pressure, and testing peripheral vision. A combination of structural and functional tests is used rather than pressure alone.

## Key Tests

Examination includes optic nerve evaluation with a slit lamp, tonometry to measure eye pressure, and visual field testing to map peripheral vision. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is commonly used to measure retinal nerve fibre layer thickness.

- Eye pressure may be normal even in glaucoma
- Optic nerve appearance and visual fields are critical
- OCT helps detect early structural damage

## Monitoring Over Time

Because glaucoma is a chronic disease, repeated measurements are needed to confirm stability or progression. Imaging and field tests are compared across visits.

## Further Information

The [glaucoma](https://bluefinvision.com/glaucoma/) page describes investigations used in care, and the Blue Fin Vision® article [what is glaucoma and is it treatable?](https://bluefinvision.com/blog/what-is-glaucoma-and-is-it-treatable/) offers an overview for patients.