Hearing that your eye pressure is high can be worrying—especially if you’ve been told it might be linked to glaucoma. But as Dr. Walter Yim from Pacific Eye Care explains, elevated pressure doesn’t automatically mean you have the disease. Instead, it’s one of several risk factors your optometrist evaluates during a comprehensive eye exam.
Glaucoma is a complex condition that damages the optic nerve, often progressing silently for years without symptoms. The goal, Dr. Yim emphasizes, is to detect and manage it before vision loss occurs.
Understanding Glaucoma and Eye Pressure
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), helps maintain your eye’s shape. When it’s higher than average, it can increase the risk of optic nerve damage—but that doesn’t mean glaucoma is present.
What Does High Eye Pressure Mean?
Dr. Yim explains,
“A few decades ago, anyone with pressure over 21 was told they had glaucoma. Now we know glaucoma isn’t just about pressure—it’s about how the optic nerve responds to that pressure and other factors like corneal thickness and structural changes.”
Modern diagnostic tools such as optic nerve imaging and retinal scans now allow optometrists to detect subtle, early changes long before vision is affected. This makes it possible to manage glaucoma risk more precisely than ever before.
Why You Might Not Notice Glaucoma Early On
One of glaucoma’s most challenging aspects is that it develops quietly. Many people experience no noticeable vision changes until the disease is well advanced.
“The tricky thing with glaucoma,” says Dr. Yim, “is that you won’t notice any changes in your vision in the early or even moderate stages. By the time you do, significant damage has already occurred.”
That’s why routine eye exams are so important. They allow your optometrist to track changes in your optic nerve and eye pressure over time, ensuring early detection and timely treatment when needed.
Does Family History Matter?
Genetics can play a role in glaucoma risk, so it’s important to share your family eye health history during your exam.
Dr. Yim notes,
“If your father or mother had glaucoma, we take that into account—but we also make sure to verify whether it truly was glaucoma and not just high pressure or cataracts.”
Your optometrist will combine family history with detailed testing results to determine your personal risk level and whether closer monitoring or preventive care is recommended.
Seeing Halos Around Lights: Is It Glaucoma?
Some people with elevated eye pressure report seeing halos or rainbow rings around lights. This may or may not be related to glaucoma.
“It can happen,” Dr. Yim explains, “especially if it’s accompanied by pain or nausea. That could mean pressure is spiking suddenly, causing corneal swelling. If that happens, it’s important to get checked right away.”
In other cases, halos can stem from cataracts or dry eyes, both of which your optometrist can identify during a comprehensive exam.
Treatment Options: Drops, Lasers, and Surgery
The right treatment for glaucoma depends on the type and stage of the condition. Your optometrist will guide you through your options, which may include:
- Prescription Eye Drops: These help lower eye pressure but must be taken consistently. Some patients find them expensive or irritating due to preservatives.
- Laser Treatments: A popular first-line option, lasers can effectively reduce pressure and often last for several years. “Laser therapy avoids the compliance issues and side effects of daily drops,” says Dr. Yim.
- Surgical Procedures: For advanced cases or patients already planning cataract surgery, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) can be performed at the same time for greater long-term benefit.
At Pacific Eye Care, patients receive individualized care plans that balance comfort, cost, and effectiveness for the best possible outcomes.
Your Next Step Toward Healthy Vision
If you’ve been told you have high eye pressure or a family history of glaucoma, the best thing you can do is schedule a full eye exam.
“Your family optometrist is the best place to start,” says Dr. Yim. “With the right technology and follow-up, we can determine whether treatment is needed—or simply careful monitoring.”
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Huntington Beach, California
Glaucoma can progress silently, but with early detection and regular exams, it’s manageable. Visit Pacific Eye Care for advanced glaucoma testing and personalized care designed to protect your sight.
Call us or request your appointment online to take the next step toward lasting eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have high eye pressure without having glaucoma?
- Yes. Many people have higher-than-average eye pressure without optic nerve damage. Regular exams help determine if it’s harmless or a warning sign.
How often should I be tested for glaucoma?
- Adults over 40 should schedule comprehensive eye exams every one to two years, or more often if you have additional risk factors.
What are the early symptoms of glaucoma?
- Unfortunately, glaucoma rarely causes symptoms until vision loss has already occurred. That’s why proactive testing is essential.
Is glaucoma hereditary?
- It can run in families, but it’s not guaranteed. Your optometrist will evaluate your risk using detailed imaging and pressure measurements.
Are laser treatments safe and effective?
- Yes. Laser treatments are safe, effective, and increasingly preferred because they offer long-term pressure control without daily eye drops.