Glaucoma Screening: When and How Often You Should Be Checked

The risk of glaucoma increases significantly after age 40 and continues to rise with each passing decade. We recommend that most adults begin routine glaucoma screening by age 40, even without other risk factors, so we can establish a baseline and track any changes over time.

Glaucoma has a strong genetic component and often runs in families. If a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with glaucoma, your risk is meaningfully higher than average.

Please let our eye doctors know about any family history of glaucoma, including the type if you know it. That information helps us tailor your screening schedule to your specific situation.

People of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent face higher glaucoma risk than other populations. African Americans are particularly likely to develop glaucoma at younger ages and may experience more rapid disease progression. People of Asian descent have higher rates of a specific form called angle-closure glaucoma.

• African Americans are often advised to begin screening by age 35
• Hispanic individuals over age 60 face increased risk
• People of Asian descent may need specific testing for angle-closure glaucoma
• These groups may require more frequent monitoring throughout their lives

Diabetes has been linked to higher glaucoma risk, and certain cardiovascular conditions may affect blood flow to the optic nerve. Two eye-specific conditions, pseudoexfoliation syndrome (where flaky material builds up inside the eye) and pigment dispersion syndrome, also raise glaucoma risk considerably.

If you have any of these conditions, our eye doctors will likely recommend more frequent screening as part of your ongoing care.

Extreme nearsightedness changes the structure of the eye in ways that can affect internal drainage. Severe farsightedness is often linked to narrow drainage angles that increase angle-closure glaucoma risk. Blunt eye trauma, even years in the past, can damage the drainage system and raise your likelihood of developing glaucoma later in life.

• Severe nearsightedness or farsightedness with narrow angles
• History of eye injury or certain eye surgeries
• Thin corneas
• Chronic inflammation inside the eye

Extended use of corticosteroid medications, whether in the form of eye drops, pills, inhalers, or skin creams, can raise eye pressure in some people. Anyone using steroids regularly for conditions such as asthma, arthritis, or skin disorders may need closer glaucoma monitoring.

Always tell our eye doctors about any steroid medications you take, including over-the-counter creams and prescription inhalers. We can watch for early signs of pressure elevation and adjust your screening schedule as needed.

Normal eye pressure, a healthy optic nerve, and no visual field defects are reassuring findings. We will let you know when to return for your next screening based on your age and risk factors.

Even with consistently normal results, it is important to keep all future screening appointments. Glaucoma can develop gradually at any time, and only regular monitoring ensures we catch it at the earliest possible stage.

Elevated or borderline eye pressure does not automatically mean you have glaucoma. Many people with slightly higher pressure, a condition called ocular hypertension, never develop the disease. However, elevated pressure does increase your risk, and we will monitor you more closely.

Eye pressure naturally varies throughout the day and between visits, and some tests require a learning curve or may produce variable results. We typically confirm any concerning findings with repeat testing over time before establishing a diagnosis.

• We may schedule follow-up testing within weeks or months
• Additional imaging and visual field tests help us assess your true risk
• Some patients may begin treatment even before a confirmed diagnosis
• Closer monitoring allows us to detect any meaningful progression quickly

A glaucoma diagnosis means we have identified characteristic optic nerve changes or visual field loss consistent with the disease. Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure to prevent further damage. Depending on the type and severity of your glaucoma, treatment options may include prescription eye drops, laser procedures, or in some cases surgery.

At NewView Eye Center, our treatment options include Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), a gentle laser procedure that improves fluid drainage and is often used as a first-line treatment or alongside eye drops. We also offer YAG Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (YAG PI) for patients at risk of or affected by angle-closure glaucoma, as well as Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), specifically goniotomy, for appropriate candidates. For patients whose glaucoma requires more complex surgical management, we coordinate timely referrals to ensure you receive the right level of care. Our eye doctors will create an individualized treatment plan, set a target pressure range, and schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress. The goal is always to preserve your remaining vision and prevent further loss.

While most forms of glaucoma progress slowly, acute angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency. Sudden severe eye pain, intense headache, blurred vision, rainbow-colored halos around lights, and nausea or vomiting alongside eye symptoms are all warning signs of a dangerous, rapid rise in eye pressure.

Acute angle-closure attacks can cause permanent vision loss within hours if left untreated. If you experience these symptoms, seek emergency eye care immediately, even outside of regular office hours.