Hearing that you’re a “glaucoma suspect” can be unsettling, but it’s an important step toward preserving your vision. Being a glaucoma suspect means that you have one or more risk factors for glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and potentially lead to vision loss if untreated. It does not mean you have glaucoma—it means we’re keeping a close watch to ensure that, if it develops, we catch it early.
Why You Might Be a Glaucoma Suspect
There are several reasons you may be identified as a glaucoma suspect. Common risk factors include:
-
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP): High eye pressure is one of the strongest risk factors for developing glaucoma.
-
- Optic nerve appearance: We may notice changes or irregularities in your optic nerve head during a dilated eye exam.
-
- Family history: If you have a first-degree relative with glaucoma, your risk is significantly higher.
-
- Steroid responder status: Some individuals are sensitive to corticosteroids (like eye drops or systemic medications), which can cause a rise in IOP. If you’ve had an increase in eye pressure from steroid use, you’re known as a steroid responder and are at greater risk.
-
- Thin corneas (low central corneal thickness): This can affect the accuracy of pressure readings and is itself an independent risk factor.
Other contributing factors can include age, race (African American, Hispanic, and Asian populations may be at higher risk depending on the glaucoma type), and certain systemic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
What Tests Will Be Performed?
To monitor your eyes closely and determine if glaucoma is developing, we will perform a series of tests. These may include:
-
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eyes.
-
- Ophthalmoscopy: Examines the optic nerve for signs of damage.
-
- Pachymetry: Measures the thickness of your cornea.
-
- Visual field testing (perimetry): Checks for blind spots or vision loss in your peripheral field.
-
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): A high-resolution scan that shows the thickness of the nerve fiber layer in your retina, helping to detect early damage.
-
- Gonioscopy: Allows us to examine the drainage angle inside the eye to assess the type of glaucoma risk.
Depending on your results, we may ask you to return for testing every 6 to 12 months.
What You Can Do
Being a glaucoma suspect means you are under surveillance—not under treatment (unless pressure is very high or other changes are present). However, it’s important to attend all scheduled follow-up visits and testing. Inform your eye doctor about any history of steroid use or family members diagnosed with glaucoma.
If you’re a steroid responder, we will be especially cautious with any treatments or medications prescribed, including those from other specialists.
Final Thoughts
Early detection is key when it comes to glaucoma. Being labeled a suspect gives us the opportunity to intervene before damage occurs. If you’ve been told you’re a glaucoma suspect, know that you’re not alone—and you’re in a strong position to protect your vision for years to come.