Glaucoma is an optic-nerve disease
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma usually progresses slowly, often affecting peripheral vision before a person notices a problem. Eye pressure is an important risk factor, but a single pressure reading cannot diagnose or rule out glaucoma.
Evaluation can include medical and family history, eye-pressure measurement, examination of the optic nerve, retinal imaging and visual-field testing. If glaucoma is diagnosed or suspected, the testing and follow-up schedule depend on the individual findings and risk.
Why symptoms are not a screening plan
Open-angle glaucoma often has no early warning signs. Peripheral vision may change gradually enough that a person does not notice it without testing.
Eye pressure is only one part
Some people with high pressure do not develop glaucoma, and some people develop glaucoma at pressures within the usual range. The optic nerve and other test results provide essential context.
What testing can include
A glaucoma evaluation may include dilated optic-nerve examination, pressure measurement, OCT imaging, visual-field testing and comparison with earlier results.
Treatment protects remaining vision
Prescription drops, laser treatment and surgery can lower pressure and slow damage. Treatment cannot restore vision already lost to glaucoma.
Follow-up is individualized
The interval depends on optic-nerve appearance, pressure, corneal factors, visual fields, imaging, family history and other risks. One normal visit does not establish a lifetime result.
At a glance
- Comprehensive dilated examination
- Eye-pressure measurement interpreted in context
- Optic-nerve and retinal evaluation
- OCT imaging when indicated
- Visual-field testing when indicated
- Ongoing monitoring or referral based on the findings
Good questions deserve clear answers.
Can I have glaucoma without knowing it?
Yes. Open-angle glaucoma often has no early symptoms, and gradual peripheral-vision loss may not be noticeable without examination and testing.
Does normal eye pressure rule out glaucoma?
No. Some people develop optic-nerve damage at pressures within the usual range, while others have higher pressure without glaucoma. Diagnosis uses several findings together.
Can glaucoma damage be reversed?
Vision already lost to glaucoma cannot currently be restored. Treatment aims to slow or stop additional damage by lowering eye pressure.