My eye doctor said I'm a glaucoma suspect. Should I be concerned?

[Deserterer]

Originally Posted by WaikikiWaves

There are two kinds of glaucoma. One is called Normal tension Glaucoma, and the pressure in the eye is normal. The nerve exhibits "cupping".

But it was the pressure that raised suspicion

[NorthofHere]

Originally Posted by TheWiseShopper

I went to my Ophthalmologist yesterday for my routine eye exam, and he noticed that my eye pressure was a 12, which he claimed is slightly higher than it has been historically for me. As a result, he thinks I'm a glaucoma suspect, so he had me do a visual field test, which came back normal. Because that test came back normal, he said he's not concerned about anything and as long as I keep coming in annually to get my eyes checked, then I have nothing to worry about.

But just the fact that he thinks I'm a "suspect" for glaucoma raises concerns because this is a disease that can cause permanent blindness. I know he says not to worry about it, but he could just be saying that so I don't panic. And the fact that he said I need to get my eyes checked annually means that this needs to be strictly monitored, so that's why I'm worried.

I researched and 12 is still a normal eye pressure, but I guess because it's higher than it has been historically for me, it raised a red flag.

So how worried should I be? Is there a chance I might become blind in the future?

12? are you sure on that number. That is good. I am a glaucoma suspect and my eye pressure was above 20. I had laser surgery where they laser 100 holes in each eye to relieve pressure. It is down to 16 in both eyes but the last test I had showed some loss of vision (like loosing pixels on a tv) in one of my eyes. Already had that on another eye but it hasn't changed since the laser surgery. They are doing another test in the spring to see if it was just a fluke. If not they will want it below 16 so might have to go on drops again. Nice thing is the drops make your eyelashes grow. I would ask what your previous eye pressure was and if it is 12 why is he concerned. Don't panic. There are treatments available. Are you doing that eye test where you have to see a light and click the little clicker (hate that test)? That is the one your eye doctor should be doing.

[WaikikiWaves]

Originally Posted by TheWiseShopper

I went to my Ophthalmologist yesterday for my routine eye exam, and he noticed that my eye pressure was a 12, which he claimed is slightly higher than it has been historically for me. As a result, he thinks I'm a glaucoma suspect, so he had me do a visual field test, which came back normal. Because that test came back normal, he said he's not concerned about anything and as long as I keep coming in annually to get my eyes checked, then I have nothing to worry about.

But just the fact that he thinks I'm a "suspect" for glaucoma raises concerns because this is a disease that can cause permanent blindness. I know he says not to worry about it, but he could just be saying that so I don't panic. And the fact that he said I need to get my eyes checked annually means that this needs to be strictly monitored, so that's why I'm worried.

I researched and 12 is still a normal eye pressure, but I guess because it's higher than it has been historically for me, it raised a red flag.

So how worried should I be? Is there a chance I might become blind in the future?

Is your eye pressure the same in both eyes? If one is 2-3 pts higher than the other, even if both are in the normal range, this could be a risk factor for glaucoma. Note, just a risk factor. Doesn't mean you will develop glaucoma.