About Us | Privacy | Site Map
February 10, 2012
Font Size
A
A
A

Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (cont.)

Medical Author:
Coauthor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:
Medical Editor:

When to Seek Medical Care

Regular eye examinations with an ophthalmologist are important to screen for primary open-angle glaucoma. In particular, regular eye examinations are critical for people who are at high risk for glaucoma, such as African Americans and elderly individuals.

  • For people without any symptoms and who are aged 40 years and younger, screenings should be performed at least every 3-5 years.

  • Screenings should be conducted more often if the person is African American or older than 40 years.

  • For people with multiple risk factors for glaucoma, evaluation/monitoring should be performed on an even more frequent basis.

Your initial visit to the ophthalmologist is extremely important in the evaluation for primary open-angle glaucoma or other ocular diseases that could be causing elevated intraocular pressure (called secondary glaucoma).

During this visit, the ophthalmologist may ask you about the following:

  • Past ocular history

    • Eye pain or redness

    • Multicolored halos

    • Headache

    • Previous eye disease, eye surgery, or eye/head trauma

  • Past surgeries or illnesses

  • Current medications (Some medications may indirectly cause changes in intraocular pressure.)

  • Strong risk factors for optic nerve damage due to glaucoma

    • History of elevated intraocular pressure

    • Advanced age, particularly people who are older than 40 years

    • African American descent

    • Family history of glaucoma

    • Nearsightedness (myopia)

  • Possible risk factors for optic nerve damage due to glaucoma


  • Other possible risk factors

WebMD Daily

Get breaking medical news.




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Glaucoma, Primary Open Angle »

The definition of glaucoma has changed drastically since its introduction around the time of Hippocrates (approximately 400 BC).

Read More on Medscape Reference »

Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies