Glaucoma Screening

Did you know that glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide? This degenerative disease gradually steals your vision, and there are often no symptoms in the early stages. That’s why it’s so important to get regular eye exams, even if you don’t think anything is wrong.

When to Schedule an Eye Exam for Glaucoma Prevention

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that everyone have a complete eye exam every 5 to 10 years. footnote1 This includes tests that check for glaucoma. If you are at risk for glaucoma, the AAO suggests that you have complete eye exams according to the schedule below:

• Under the age of 40, every 2 to 5 years
• Ages 40 to 54, every 1 to 3 years
• Ages 55 to 64, every 1 to 2 years
• Ages 65 and older, every 1 to 2 years

Your eye doctor may advise you to have eye exams more often, depending on your level of risk and your overall eye health.

Who is at Risk for Glaucoma?

People at higher risk for glaucoma include those who:

* Are middle-aged and older. The chance of getting glaucoma gets higher as you age, especially after age 40.
* Are African American. African Americans have a much higher risk of developing glaucoma than other groups. They also tend to develop the disease at a younger age and experience more severe vision loss from glaucoma.