Understanding Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to elevated intraocular pressure. It's a leading cause of blindness, but early detection and treatment can preserve your vision.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. This damage is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), though some people develop glaucoma with normal IOP levels.
The most common form, primary open-angle glaucoma, develops gradually and painlessly. You may not notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. That's why regular monitoring and early detection are critical.
Vision loss from glaucoma is permanent, but with proper treatment and monitoring, most people can preserve their remaining sight.
The Role of Eye Pressure
Intraocular pressure (IOP) is the fluid pressure inside your eye. It's measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Normal IOP typically ranges from 10 to 21 mmHg.
Elevated IOP is the primary risk factor for glaucoma. High pressure can damage the optic nerve over time. However, some people with high IOP never develop glaucoma, while others develop it with normal pressures.
The goal of glaucoma treatment is to lower IOP to a safe level for your individual eye. This is called your target pressure. Your ophthalmologist determines this based on your specific situation.
Normal IOP Range
10–21 mmHg
Your target pressure may be different based on your individual needs.
Risk Factors
While anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors increase your risk:
- Age over 60
- Family history of glaucoma
- Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)
- Thin corneas
- African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
If you have one or more risk factors, talk to your eye doctor about how often you should be screened for glaucoma.
Why Home Monitoring Matters
Traditional office visits capture your IOP at one moment in time, but eye pressure fluctuates throughout the day. Home monitoring with the iCare HOME2 gives you and your doctor a complete picture.
Catch Fluctuations
IOP can vary throughout the day. Office visits capture one moment; home monitoring reveals patterns.
Track Treatment
See how well your eye drops or other treatments are controlling your pressure over time.
Post-Surgical Care
Monitor recovery from glaucoma surgery without frequent clinic trips.
Empower Yourself
Taking an active role in monitoring gives you control and peace of mind.
Take Control of Your Eye Health
Learn more about IOP monitoring and the iCare HOME2 tonometer, or get started with a rental today.