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I was identified as a glaucoma suspect and told to get rechecked for glaucoma annually. Knowing that glaucoma can move more quickly than that I was spooked and wound up creating my own self test. If this doesn't already exist I'll share my approach as an answer.

Is there an existing self test for glaucoma?

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  • Even if there is a self-test (which I doubt), I'd be interested in seeing your answer.
    – Carey Gregory
    Commented Apr 16, 2019 at 19:03

2 Answers 2

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Disclaimer: I have no formal medical or vision science training. Please point out any factual errors.

My test is based on the idea that Glaucoma is indicated by pressure on optic nerve, which one may not even be aware of but slowly destroys the nerve (which is actually a bundle of nerves, similar to a huge communications cable) from the outside of the cable in. The effect of this is a gradual loss of vision from the periphery toward the center, forming tunnel vision and eventually total blindness. The mind compensates so the person doesn't even realize that their field of vision is being narrowed until it is too late.

Doctors test for vision loss at the periphery by snapping fingers at the periphery and seeing if the patient can see it.

With my test you simply look straight ahead and raise your arms into a circle around your head, similar to a ballet dancer:

Starting position

Slowly move the elbows forward while continuing to look ahead. If you have to move your elbow on either arm significantly forward (consult an eye doctor to "calibrate" your elbows) then you may have damage to the periphery of the optic nerve. If so, the further forward, the more the damage.

Damage to the optic nerve is, with current technology progressive and never regressive so acting quickly is of the utmost importance.

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  • This is. terrible ideas do potentially dangerous. Visual field loss is what you’re trying to avoid.
    – rhialto
    Commented Apr 18, 2019 at 20:37
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from

https://www.glaucoma.org/glaucoma/glaucoma-and-the-brain.

"Researchers now view glaucoma as a disease of the brain — a neurodegenerative disease — rather than simply an eye disease. Recent research has shown that the complex connection between the eye and the brain is an important key to the disease.

and more relevant links

https://www.bing.com/search?q=Glaucoma+brain+cancer&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=glaucoma+brain+cancer&sc=1-21&sk=&cvid=F60A28D249C24EC88DCE821B7110D442

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  • This doesn't seem to answer the question of "is there a self-test for glaucoma?"
    – D.Tan
    Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 16:09
  • Don't expect easy self-test to a disease of the brain — a neurodegenerative disease like glaucoma. Read "Five Common Glaucoma Tests" glaucoma.org/glaucoma/diagnostic-tests.php and decide on yourself, which one of the Five, named above, can be turned into your self-test
    – a a
    Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 22:21
  • You should include that in your answer and explain why!
    – D.Tan
    Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 22:23
  • "Brain disease Bacteria Glaucoma, may be an autoimmune disease which could be cured, scientists believe. telegraph.co.uk/science/2018/08/10/…
    – a a
    Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 22:35
  • BTW2 @Ruminator answered his own question, presenting his self-developed test. If he is satisfied with test results, there is no need to dip any deeper. To get state-of-the-art in my field I preview 100s of papers, read 10s of asked questions and answers given. Live comments work best since exactly represent state-of-the-art within the field, in abbreviated form.
    – a a
    Commented Apr 26, 2020 at 22:44

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