GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer is a new exam that may help to physicians to detect earlier changes and more sensitive objective changes to individuals who may have or have glaucoma.
The test is objective and fast. Also, the GDx is able to determine if you have glaucoma prior to your experiencing any vision loss.
Intraocular pressures are only one way of detecting glaucoma. Many individuals have glaucoma with normal pressures and also need to be treated. Another test which is used to detect glaucoma is perimetry (visual field) testing which measures vision already lost.
Often this test is used to follow the progression of glaucoma. This test is based on the patients responses. Some tests can be unreliable. The GDx exam offers another method by which glaucoma can be evaluated and followed. The test is very fast and usually takes less than 5 minutes.
The pupil does not have to be dilated and the results can be obtained quickly. The chin is supported and the patient looks straight ahead and focuses on the light indicated. A very safe, invisible laser scans the back of the eye and acquires an image in less than one second. The only other way we have of evaluating the nerve is by dilating the patient and looking at the details of the optic nerve head.
A couple weeks before Christmas this past year I went out for drinks one Friday afternoon with a good buddy of mine, ...
