How Do You Know If You're at Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, often developing without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Understanding your risk for glaucoma and getting regular medical eye exams are essential steps in protecting your vision.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual information from your eyes to your brain. The damage is most often caused by high intraocular pressure (IOP), though glaucoma can also occur with normal eye pressure.
 

Who Is at Risk for Glaucoma?

Certain individuals are at higher risk of developing glaucoma. You may be at greater risk if any of the following apply to you:

• Age: Individuals over 60 are at increased risk, with the risk doubling every decade.

• Family History: Glaucoma tends to run in families. If a close relative has glaucoma, your risk increases.

• Race and Ethnicity: African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians have a higher risk of specific types of glaucoma.

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease are associated with an elevated risk.

• Eye Conditions: Thin corneas, severe nearsightedness or farsightedness, past eye injuries, and long-term steroid use may increase your risk.

• Elevated Eye Pressure: Having high intraocular pressure (even if you have no symptoms) can increase your chances of developing glaucoma.
   

Why Medical Eye Exams Are Essential

Because glaucoma typically has no early warning signs, medical eye exams are the only reliable way to detect the disease in its early stages. Regular screenings are essential, especially for individuals at higher risk.
 

During a medical eye exam, your eye doctor will perform several important tests. These include measuring your intraocular pressure, evaluating the shape and color of the optic nerve, testing your peripheral vision, and measuring the thickness of your cornea. Advanced imaging or photographs of the optic nerve may also be taken to monitor for subtle changes over time.
 

These diagnostic tools allow eye care professionals to detect glaucoma before it causes noticeable vision loss. When caught early, appropriate treatment can slow or even prevent further damage to your vision, making early detection critical.
 

Take a Proactive Approach to Eye Health

Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated, but early detection makes a significant difference.  If you fall into one or more risk categories, do not wait until symptoms appear. Routine medical eye exams can help detect glaucoma in its earliest stages and safeguard your sight.
 

Schedule your medical eye exam with Texas State Optical to stay ahead of glaucoma and maintain lifelong eye health. Visit our office in Richmond, Texas, or call (832) 783-9964 to book an appointment today.