Assessing Risk Factors for Glaucoma
- 50% of glaucoma patients are undiagnosed.
- 50% of conventional eye exams miss glaucoma.
- Glaucoma can be detected 22 months earlier in 59% of cases and 79% earlier six months in advance by our Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph.
- 1/3 of all patients with primary open angle glaucoma have normal intraocular pressure, so the “eye pressure” test is not sufficient.
- A direct family member with glaucoma increases your risk by approximately 10X.
Level of Glaucoma Risk based on risk factors: If you get a score of 3 or higher in the table below, contact us for a comprehensive eye examination and a glaucoma evaluation at your earliest conveniences. People with a high score (at risk of glaucoma) should faithfully have eye checkups at the intervals recommended by their Optometrist. Everyone over 40 should have a comprehensive eye examination every two years, regardless of risk factors.
| Risk Factor | Category | Score |
| Age | younger than 50 years 50-64 years 65-74 years older than 75 years |
0 1 2 3 |
| Race | Caucasian/other African American |
0 2 |
| Family History of Glaucoma | Negative or positive in non-first degree relative Positive for parents Positive for siblings |
0 1 2 |
| Last Complete Eye Exam | Within last two years 2-5 years ago more than 5 years ago |
0 1 2 |
Level of Glaucoma Risk (Total Score)
| High | 4 or greater |
| Moderate | 3 |
| Low | 2 or less |
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