Is glaucoma always caused by high eye pressure?
• No. People with normal eye pressure can have glaucoma, too. Doctors have found that some people have damage because even a normal eye pressure is too high for their eyes. When a person with normal eye pressure has glaucoma, it is called “normal-tension” or “low-tension” glaucoma. If you have this glaucoma, your doctor will give you medicine to keep your eye pressure lower than it normally is. This will help to stop or slow down damage caused by normal eye pressure. • Doctors have also found that some people with high eye pressure do not have glaucoma. High eye pressure without glaucoma is called “ocular hypertension”. If you have ocular hypertension, it is important to see your eye doctor regularly. The doctor will check the health of your optic nerve and make sure you are not developing glaucoma. Who is at high risk for having glaucoma? • Anyone over 60 years old. • African-Americans over 40 years old. • People who have a family member with glaucoma. • People who have diabetes (di-u
