Glaucoma Screening

If you are younger than 40 and have no known risk factors for Reference glaucoma Opens New Window, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that you have a complete eye exam every 5 to 10 years. This includes tests that check for glaucoma.^{Reference 1} The AAO suggests more frequent Reference routine eye exams as you age.

The AAO also suggests that people who are at risk for glaucoma have complete eye exams according to the schedule below:

• Ages 40 to 54, every 1 to 3 years
• Ages 55 to 64, every 1 to 2 years
• Ages 65 and older, every 6 to 12 months

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

People at increased risk for glaucoma include those who:^{Reference 2}

• Are middle-aged and older. The chance of getting glaucoma gets higher as you age, especially after age 40.
• Have a Reference family history Opens New Window of glaucoma.
• Have high eye pressure (high Reference intraocular pressure Opens New Window).
• Are African Americans (for Reference open-angle glaucoma Opens New Window).
• Are East Asians and people with East Asian ancestry (for Reference closed-angle glaucoma Opens New Window).
• Are Reference farsighted Opens New Window (greater risk for developing closed-angle glaucoma).
• Have had an eye injury or eye surgery, such as Reference cataract Opens New Window surgery.
• Have Reference diabetes Opens New Window.
• Have high blood pressure (Reference hypertension Opens New Window).
• Have been taking Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window medicines.

Because people with glaucoma may have normal pressures in their eyes, measuring eye pressure (Reference tonometry) should not be used as the only test for glaucoma. It needs to be combined with other tests before glaucoma can be diagnosed.

After reviewing all of the research, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Reference (USPSTF) Opens New Window has not recommended for or against routine glaucoma screening for all adults.^{Reference 3}

For more information about glaucoma and vision screening, see the topics Glaucoma and Vision Tests.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.