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According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), more than 3 million Americans are living with glaucoma, yet approximately half do not know they have it. Because the disease typically progresses slowly, many people are diagnosed only after irreversible vision loss has already occurred.
Why Early Eye Exams Matter
In most healthy adults, normal intraocular pressure ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg. However, glaucoma can develop even when eye pressure falls within the normal range, and not everyone with elevated pressure develops the disease. For this reason, ophthalmologists evaluate much more than eye pressure alone, including the optic nerve and visual field.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies glaucoma as the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The condition damages the optic nerve over time, gradually reducing peripheral vision before affecting central vision if left untreated. Because lost vision cannot be restored, early diagnosis remains the best defense.
Certain people face a significantly higher risk of developing glaucoma. The risk increases after age 60, and is also higher among African Americans, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, and people with high myopia (severe nearsightedness). Other conditions, such as diabetes, prolonged steroid use, and elevated eye pressure, can also increase risk.
The AAO recommends regular comprehensive eye examinations beginning at age 40, with the frequency determined by age and individual risk factors. Tonometry, the test used to measure intraocular pressure, is an important part of glaucoma screening, but it is typically combined with optic nerve evaluation, visual field testing, and retinal imaging to provide a complete assessment.
When glaucoma is diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to slow or stop further damage to the optic nerve. Prostaglandin eye drops are generally considered the first-line treatment because they effectively lower intraocular pressure and are usually taken once daily. Depending on the patient's condition, laser therapy or surgery may also be recommended if medications are not sufficient.
The bottom line is that glaucoma often causes no warning signs until permanent vision has already been lost. Regular eye exams—especially after age 40 and for people with additional risk factors—offer the best opportunity to detect the disease early, begin treatment promptly, and preserve vision for years to come.
