We can not define
glaucoma as an optic neuropathy and recognise it by a characteristic
deformation of the surface of the optic nerves. With increase in sophistication of psychophysical tests and
objective optic disc scanning we are diagnosing glaucoma at an ever-earliest
age in the disease process, although early detection allows greater scope for
preserving sight by retarding the rate of progression. It also allows less scope for
misdiagnosing through methodological errors. This presentation will discuss methods of identifying early
disease as well as identifying changes in the rate of progression. It will concentrate on standard
psychophysical test and objective tests that are able to measure rate and will
describe methods by which these forms of evaluation can be used in clinical
management.