Could you miss glaucoma in an eye exam?

Yes. : The diagnosis of glaucoma is made based upon the aggregate risk. Many times, at the early stages of glaucoma, it is not possible to tell for sure whether someone has glaucoma. The best advice is to continue follow up and look for any interval changes that indicate glaucoma. Many tests are used to help in both determining whether a patient may have glaucoma and in monitoring.

Sometimes: Depending on many factors: iop fluctuation, dense cataract, small bound down pupil, small tilted optic nerve head, large nerve head with much peri papillary atrophy, angle anatomy, diagnostic lenses used, criteria used to document optic nerve cupping, diagnostic test interpretations, the diagnosis can be difficult. But when in doubt, it's aways of great benefit to re examine at short intervals.