Close up of an older patient's eye with the fogginess of glaucoma starting to take over.

Eye Pressure And Vision: The Role Of Glaucoma Testing

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Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, often developing slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. At Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser, eye health expertise runs deep. 

The clinic was founded over 30 years ago by Dr. Dennis Maehara and is now led by his son, Dr. Jeffrey Maehara, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained Anterior Segment–Glaucoma Specialist. Dr. Maehara also practices preventive and integrative medicine, combining advanced eye care with a whole-person approach to wellness. 

Regular glaucoma testing can detect changes early, giving patients the best opportunity to preserve their vision and maintain lifelong eye health.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve, most often as a result of elevated pressure within the eye. This increase in intraocular pressure occurs when the eye’s natural drainage system becomes blocked or slows down, allowing fluid to accumulate. Without proper treatment, increased pressure can harm the optic nerve and result in lasting vision damage. Although glaucoma can develop in anyone, it is more frequently seen in adults over 40, individuals with a family history of the condition, and those managing health concerns such as diabetes.

How Eye Pressure Affects Vision

Eye pressure plays a key role in maintaining the shape and function of the eye. However, when that pressure rises above a healthy range, it can begin to compress the optic nerve. This gradual pressure damages the nerve fibers that transmit visual information to the brain.

Even those with normal eye pressure can develop glaucoma, so consistent monitoring through professional testing is essential.

What To Expect During Glaucoma Testing

Glaucoma testing is a painless and quick process that helps identify early signs of the disease before symptoms appear. Common parts of the exam include:

  • Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside the eye.
  • Visual field testing: Detects changes in peripheral (side) vision.
  • Optic nerve imaging: Uses advanced technology to look for early nerve damage.
  • Pachymetry: Measures corneal thickness, which can affect pressure readings.

These tests help eye care professionals assess risk, detect glaucoma early, and determine the most effective treatment plan.

How Often Should You Be Getting Glaucoma Testing?

The frequency of glaucoma testing depends on factors such as age, family history, and overall eye health. Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, but those at higher risk, including individuals over 40, people with diabetes, or anyone with a family history of glaucoma, may need more frequent testing.

Prioritize Your Vision With Local Eye Exams In Honolulu, HI

Regular vision screenings are an important step in safeguarding eye health. Regular glaucoma testing helps detect problems early so treatment can begin before vision loss occurs. 

To protect your eyesight for the future, schedule your glaucoma testing appointment in Honolulu today by calling 808-955-3937. Your vision deserves the care and attention that only consistent, professional eye exams can provide.

Risk factors for glaucoma and what you can do about them

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Glaucoma is an age-related eye disease where increased pressure in the eye damages your eye’s optic nerves, getting worse over time. Too often, the people who have the most common type of glaucoma do not have any warning signs. By the time they notice symptoms, it’s usually in the later stages of the disease. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness for people age 60 and older. Read on for risk factors and what you can do to reduce your risk factors and protect your vision.

In healthy eyes, fluid is produced in the ciliary body, enters the eye and drains through tiny passages called the trabecular meshwork. If you have glaucoma, these passages become blocked and pressure in the eye rises.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

  • Ancestry is African American, Irish, Japanese, Hispanic, Russian, Inuit or Scandinavian descent
  • Over the age of 40
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • High blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or sickle cell anemia
  • Poor vision
  • Eye injury
  • Corneas are thinner than usual
  • High eye pressure
  • Nearsighted or farsighted

 Can I prevent glaucoma?

 You can help slow the progress of glaucoma or detect it in its early stages by doing the following:

  • Get comprehensive eye exams. You should get one every 5-10 years if you’re younger than 40; every 2-4 years for those ages 40-54; everyone 1-3 years for those ages 55-64; and every 1-2 years for those 65 and older. If you’re at risk of glaucoma, you’ll need more frequent screening. Your doctor can recommend the right screening schedule for you.
  • Regular exercise can help prevent glaucoma by reducing eye pressure. Ask your doctor for recommendations.
  • Know your family health history. Glaucoma tends to run in families, so you may need more frequent screening if you are at increased risk.
  • Wear eye protection. Eye injuries can lead to eye conditions and diseases such as glaucoma, so protect your eyes when playing certain sports or using power tools.

 Glaucoma treatment

Some cases can be treated with medication. Other cases may require laser or traditional surgery to lower eye pressure.

Regular eye exams will help you stay on top of any eye conditions or diseases so you can address them at the earliest, most treatable stages. Call 808.955.3937 today to schedule an appointment at Maehara Eye Surgery & Laser.