Yes, you can absolutely have glaucoma without high eye pressure; this condition is called Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG), where the optic nerve gets damaged despite the intraocular pressure (IOP) staying within the normal range (typically under 21 mmHg). Factors like poor blood flow to the optic nerve, nerve tissue weakness, migraines, and cardiovascular issues are believed to cause this, leading to vision loss similar to high-pressure glaucoma, notes BrightFocus Foundation and Glaucoma Australia.
Yes, glaucoma is highly treatable and manageable when caught early, with treatments like eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery effectively slowing or stopping further vision loss, though existing vision loss isn't reversible, making early detection crucial for preserving sight. Regular eye exams are key to catching it early and starting treatment promptly to prevent permanent damage, especially for those at high risk.
Light sensitivity (or photophobia) and glare are common problems for glaucoma patients, often making outdoor activities and driving more difficult. Light sensitivity is a result of the pressure build-up in the eyes that is characteristic of glaucoma.
Depending on your risk factors and eye health, your eye doctor may recommend a personalized schedule. However, in general, the frequency of glaucoma screenings should be based on your age: Ages 40 to 54, every one to three years. Ages 55 to 64, every one to two years.
Glaucoma is a serious, lifelong eye disease that can lead to vision loss if not controlled. But for most people, glaucoma does not have to lead to blindness. That is because glaucoma is controllable with modern treatment, and there are many choices to help keep glaucoma from further damaging your eyes. #glaucomaawaren.
Angle-closure glaucoma: Though less common, this type can appear suddenly. It happens when the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked, causing a rapid rise in pressure. Symptoms may include intense eye pain, headaches, and sudden changes in vision. These signs demand immediate medical attention.
These tips may help control high eye pressure or promote eye health.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
The rule of 5 is a simple rule for detecting retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) change on spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), in which a loss of 5 μm of global RNFL on a follow-up test is considered evidence of significant change when compared with the baseline.
Screen time is not considered a direct cause of glaucoma progression, but research shows that prolonged device use can temporarily increase intraocular pressure, particularly in people who already have glaucoma. These pressure increases are usually temporary and return to baseline after you stop using screens.
Protect your eyes from sunlight.
There is some evidence that the sun's UV rays may cause a type of glaucoma. Wear quality polarized sunglasses and a hat when exploring the outdoors.
Another warning sign for a unilateral optic neuropathy (or a glaucoma mimic) would be seeing just one eye with optic disc pallor. Some optic neuropathies may initially present with swelling of all or part of the optic nerve prior to the onset of optic disc pallor. Glaucoma does not present as optic nerve swelling.
High trans fats have been proven to cause damage to the optic nerve. Time to cut out fried foods, baked goods and any product with an ingredient list that includes hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils. Saturated foods that include red meat, beef, lard, shortening and oils can also worsen glaucoma.
Open-angle glaucoma — The most common form of glaucoma, this type is caused by damage to the filter in the eye's drainage canals.
The AAO 2025 Glaucoma Innovation Takeaway
Sustained-release therapy will play a central role in long-term IOP control. Better visualization creates safer, more effective surgery, particularly in angle-based procedures.
Because there is no cure for glaucoma and the condition doesn't go into remission, treatment is perpetual. Once you have been diagnosed, you will likely need to stay on glaucoma medications for the rest of your life.
Occasionally, a person may have a “borderline” eye pressure, which means that, although the pressure is elevated, there is no evidence of glaucoma damage.
Stage 1: Glaucoma begins with any alteration to your drainage system, which leads to increased intraocular pressure.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend starting eye drops right after diagnosing glaucoma or detecting high eye pressure during a routine exam. We consider your pressure readings, the health of your optic nerve, and your vision test results when deciding whether medication is needed.
What is pre-glaucoma? Pre-glaucoma is a term used for patients with ocular hypertension (persons with elevated intraocular pressure but no detectable disc or visual field damage), and patients with large cup/disc ratios and normal visual fields who may or may not have early normal-tension glaucoma.
Generally, people are likely to develop glaucoma when they are over 60 years of age. However, African Americans usually start to develop this disease when they are over the age of 40.
While stress alone doesn't cause glaucoma, it may play a supporting role in how the disease progresses. Managing stress isn't just good for your mental health—it could also help protect your vision.
Heavy caffeine intake should be advised against due to its transient elevations in IOP, especially in genetically predisposed patients or those with a positive family history of glaucoma. Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to many systemic complications and increased risk of glaucoma.
Nicotinamide/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) has recently shown significant potential as a novel treatment for glaucoma. It was postulated as a neuroprotective agent for glaucoma in 2017 by Williams and colleagues.
But most forms of glaucoma are treatable, especially when diagnosed early. And with care and careful management, it's possible to delay — or even prevent — permanent vision loss.