written or reviewed by
Kenneth S. Schwartz, M.D.

What is a Glaucoma Suspect?

Have you or any of your relatives been told that they might be a glaucoma suspect?  A glaucoma suspect is someone who has one or more risk factors for developing glaucoma, but does not yet have damage or vision loss due to the disease.

Do Glaucoma Suspects Always Develop Glaucoma?

No. Being identified as a glaucoma suspect does not mean you will necessarily develop glaucoma.  It means your eye doctor has identified one or more findings that could indicate an increased risk of developing the disease. For example, some glaucoma suspects have elevated eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma, or an optic nerve appearance that warrants closer monitoring.

According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, several million people in the US have been identified as glaucoma suspects, but most of these people will never develop glaucoma or suffer vision loss due to the disease.

However, because glaucoma can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms, regular monitoring is important. Your eye doctor can look for changes over time and recommend treatment if there are signs that glaucoma is developing or your risk warrants intervention.

How Is a Glaucoma Suspect Evaluated?

If you are identified as a glaucoma suspect, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation and monitor your eyes for changes that could indicate glaucoma.

At Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons, glaucoma screening and testing may include:

• Eye pressure measurement: Checks intraocular pressure, an important risk factor for glaucoma.
• Visual field testing: Evaluates peripheral vision to identify areas of possible vision loss.
• Optic nerve examination: Allows your doctor to look for changes in the optic nerve that could indicate glaucoma.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides detailed images and measurements of the retinal nerve fiber layer to help identify and monitor changes.
• Digital optic nerve photography: Documents the appearance of the optic nerve for comparison during future visits.

These tests help your glaucoma specialist determine whether you need continued monitoring or treatment to protect your vision.

Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons has a team of fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists experienced in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating glaucoma. Drs. Howard Weiss, Kenneth Schwartz, Lisa Tom and Lindsay Dawson use advanced diagnostic technology to identify changes in eye pressure, optic nerve health, and vision that may indicate glaucoma, in conjunction with proven treatments that help lower intraocular pressure and preserve vision.

When Should You See a Glaucoma Specialist?

If you’ve been told you’re a glaucoma suspect, regular follow-up examinations are important even if your vision seems normal. Early detection and careful monitoring can help identify changes before significant vision loss occurs.

The glaucoma specialists at Washington Eye Physicians & Surgeons provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized recommendations for patients at risk of developing glaucoma. Contact us to schedule an appointment.