Glaucoma: More Than Just Eye Pressure—Are You Really Safe?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide, yet many people don’t even know they have it. That’s because glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms, earning it the nickname The silent thief of sight.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve—the vital link between your eyes and brain. As the optic nerve deteriorates, vision loss occurs gradually, often without warning signs until significant damage has already been done.

(Example of how vision loss from glaucoma progresses over time. Source: World Glaucoma Association)

Why a Pressure Test Alone Isn’t Enough

Many people assume that a simple eye pressure test is all it takes to detect glaucoma—but that’s not true.

✅ Normal Pressure Doesn’t Mean No Glaucoma 

You can have glaucoma even with normal intraocular pressure (IOP). This is called normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite pressure readings within the normal range.

✅ High Pressure Doesn’t Always Mean Glaucoma 

Some people naturally have higher-than-average eye pressure (ocular hypertension) without any optic nerve damage. While they may be at higher risk, it doesn’t always lead to glaucoma.

✅ Glaucoma is More Than Just Pressure 

A comprehensive glaucoma check includes optic nerve imaging and analysis, visual field testing, and corneal thickness measurement—all essential for assessing real risk.

At The Oculists, we go beyond basic pressure tests. Every comprehensive eye exam includes:

✔ OCT imaging and optic nerve analysis

✔ Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement

✔ Corneal thickness assessment (pachymetry)

Based on these results, our optometrists can recommend further testing if needed, such as:

✔ Visual field testing to assess peripheral vision loss

✔ Genetic risk assessment to evaluate hereditary glaucoma risk

Are You at Risk?

While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your chances:

• Age – Risk rises after 40, with a sharp increase after 60.

• Family History – A close relative with glaucoma significantly raises your risk.

• Ethnicity – People of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent are at greater risk.

• Existing Eye Conditions – Nearsightedness (myopia) or previous eye injuries increase risk.

• Health Conditions – Diabetes, high blood pressure, and migraines have been linked to glaucoma.

Don’t Wait—Get Checked Today

Glaucoma doesn’t wait for symptoms to appear, and neither should you. A comprehensive glaucoma assessment is the only way to truly know if your vision is safe. If you or a loved one has concerns about glaucoma, reach out to us today, our friendly team is always here to help.