The Water-Drinking Test in Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition that causes pressure within the eye (the intraocular pressure, or IOP) to rise. If left unchecked, it causes damage to the delicate structures—most importantly, the optic nerve. This can lead to a variety of problems, including visual disturbances, eye pain, and can cause blindness if untreated. 

The water-drinking test in glaucoma can help clinicians understand more about an individual’s IOP. It’s not a diagnostic test (although it used to be used for this). Today, it’s used as a stress test to predict how IOP might progress and to help determine the best type of treatment.

‍Everything You Need to Know About the Water-Drinking Test in Glaucoma 

• What is the water-drinking test in glaucoma?
• How does the test work?
• Who needs the test?

What is the water-drinking test in glaucoma?

As the name suggests, the test involves you drinking a significant amount of water. This is because drinking water raises the body’s fluid levels—including within the eye. Glaucoma occurs when the eye’s drainage system fails to work correctly. This allows fluid to build up, causing the IOP to increase.

The water-drinking test in glaucoma can simulate this, to a certain degree. In medical terms, this is referred to as “a challenge” or a “stress test”. It is not a diagnostic tool, so isn’t used to determine if you have glaucoma. Instead, it can help your eye doctor understand more about an already diagnosed condition, about your IOP, how it peaks and troughs, and what treatment options might be best to control it.

How does the test work?

Before the test commences, you’ll need to refrain from drinking for a couple of hours. The doctor will then measure your IOP. Then you’ll be asked to drink a set amount of water—typically 800 ml-1000 ml—over 5 minutes.

Your doctor will then measure your IOP every 15 minutes over the next hour. This shows how well the eyes cope with the increased fluid. Significantly raised IOP during this time (considered to be anything over 30% from the baseline measurement) provides valuable evidence that the eye’s natural drainage system isn’t working as it should.

Who needs the test?

The test might be used for anyone who has or is considered at risk of glaucoma. It used to be widely performed, but there are now many more advanced, alternative options for ophthalmologists to use. However, it can still provide valuable information, especially in the understanding of nighttime IOP. 

You might be asked to do the test if:

• Your eye doctor is considering starting you on medication to treat glaucoma.
• Your current treatment is becoming ineffective.
• Your eye doctor is exploring whether surgery or laser treatment would benefit you.

The test isn’t suitable for everyone, especially for those with cardiac, respiratory, or renal conditions. It also shouldn’t be performed on anyone who’s already undergone surgery for glaucoma. Your ophthalmologist will take a detailed medical history to understand your suitability for the test, should it be deemed of value. 

From the Water-Drinking Test for Glaucoma to Cutting-Edge Treatment Options: Contact the WBEC Today 

The West Boca Eye Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma. The condition continues to be the subject of much research, leading to ever-advancing ways to slow or halt the progression of the disease. Tailored care is critical to reduce symptoms—and our ophthalmologists have access to the very latest medical and surgical options.

Much as the water-drinking test for glaucoma was once considered a gold standard test (and is still utilized, in many cases) today’s diagnostics and monitoring tools are cutting-edge, returning highly accurate results that lead to the ultimate care.

Discover more at https://www.westbocaeyecenter.com/