Introduction

Regular eye check-ups with an ophthalmologist are vital for the early detection of primary open-angle glaucoma. This is especially important for individuals at a higher risk of developing glaucoma, such as African Americans and the elderly.

• For individuals without symptoms, aged 40 and below, eye screenings should be done every 3-5 years.
• Screenings should be more frequent for African Americans and those above 40 years old.
• For individuals with multiple risk factors for glaucoma, more frequent evaluation and monitoring are necessary.

Your initial visit to the ophthalmologist plays a crucial role in evaluating primary open-angle glaucoma and other ocular diseases that could lead to elevated intraocular pressure, known as secondary glaucoma.

During this visit, the ophthalmologist may inquire about the following:

• Past ocular history
1. Eye pain or redness
2. Multicolored halos
3. headache
4. Previous eye disease, eye surgery, or eye/head trauma
• Past surgeries or illnesses
• Current Medication (Some Medication may indirectly affect intraocular pressure.)
• Significant risk factors for optic nerve damage due to glaucoma
1. History of elevated intraocular pressure
2. Advanced age, especially individuals over 40 years old
3. African American heritage
4. Family history of glaucoma
5. Nearsightedness (myopia)
• Possible risk factors for optic nerve damage due to glaucoma
1. Heart disease
2. Diabetes
3. Migraine headache
4. Hypertension (high blood pressure)
5. Vasospasm (a spasm or constriction of blood vessels)
• Other potential risk factors
1. Obesity
2. Smoking
3. Alcohol consumption
4. History of stress
5. Anxiety

Self-Care at Home

If your ophthalmologist prescribes medications (see Medical Treatment and Medications) to lower the pressure inside your eye, it's crucial to apply the Medication correctly and follow your eye doctor’s instructions. Failing to do so could lead to an additional increase in intraocular pressure, further impacting the optic nerve and causing permanent vision loss.

Follow-up

Depending on the degree of optic nerve damage and the level of intraocular pressure control, individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma may require visits every 2 months to a year, or even sooner if pressure isn't adequately controlled.

Glaucoma remains a concern for individuals with elevated intraocular pressure, despite normal-looking optic nerves and visual field test results, or for those with normal intraocular pressure and suspicious-looking optic nerves and visual field test results. These individuals should be closely monitored due to an increased risk of glaucoma.

Prevention

Primary open-angle glaucoma cannot be prevented, but regular eye check-ups with an ophthalmologist can help slow its progression.

Outlook

The prognosis is generally favorable for individuals with primary open-angle glaucoma.

• With consistent follow-up care and adherence to medical treatment, most people with primary open-angle glaucoma maintain useful vision throughout their lives.
• Poor control of intraocular pressure leads to ongoing changes in the optic nerve and visual field.