Understanding Glaucoma Risk, Diagnosis & When to Act
If you’ve ever been told your eye pressure is high, you might have left your exam wondering: Do I have glaucoma? Should I be worried?
At Sweeney Eye Associates, our board-certified glaucoma specialists know how confusing it can be to hear terms like “intraocular pressure,” “ocular hypertension,” or “optic nerve damage” — especially when your vision still feels fine. The truth is, high eye pressure doesn’t always mean you have glaucoma, but it does mean your eyes need to be watched more closely.
What Is Eye Pressure — and What’s Normal?
– Normal eye pressure: typically 10–21 mmHg – Eye pressure varies day to day — a single high reading doesn’t mean disease – Ocular hypertension means high pressure without optic nerve damage
Is the “air puff” test at the eye doctor your least favorite part of the exam? Discover the iCare, a revolutionary device that offers a comfortable, non-invasive way to measure eye pressure with advanced rebound tonometry.
Does High Eye Pressure Mean I Have Glaucoma?
Not always.
Glaucoma is diagnosed only when there’s damage to the optic nerve — the part of your eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. While high pressure increases the risk of that damage, many people with elevated pressure never develop glaucoma.
On the flip side, some people do develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure. That’s called normal-tension glaucoma.
How We Diagnose Glaucoma at Sweeney Eye Associates
– Eye pressure measurements (iCare) – Optic nerve imaging (OCT) – Visual field tests to check for peripheral vision loss – Corneal thickness, which can affect pressure readings – Family and medical history
What Happens If You’re Diagnosed?
The good news: Glaucoma is manageable, especially when caught early.
Depending on your type and severity, we may recommend: – Prescription eye drops to lower pressure – Laser therapy – Minimally invasive treatments like iDose – Surgery in more advanced cases
At Sweeney Eye Associates, we offer the latest options, including iDose for patients who struggle with daily drops or are ready for a more consistent solution.
Who Should Be Screened for Glaucoma?
Even if you feel fine, you may be at higher risk. You should schedule an exam if you: – Are over age 40 – Have a family history of glaucoma – Are African American, Hispanic, or Asian – Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or thin corneas – Have had eye trauma or past steroid use
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’ve been told your eye pressure is high — or you simply haven’t had an exam in a while — the best protection is early detection. Our team at Sweeney Eye Associates is here to answer your questions and keep your vision on track.
If you’re not ready for surgery, that’s okay. But don’t go it alone. We’ll keep a close eye on your cataract, adjust your care plan as needed, and make sure you know when it’s time to take action.
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