That is precisely why regular screenings matter. A glaucoma screening is simple, painless, and one of the most powerful ways to protect your sight. If you have never taken one or are unsure what to expect during the exam, here is a guide to help you walk in with confidence.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the part of the eye that sends visual information to the brain. This usually occurs when fluid inside the eye doesn’t drain properly, causing pressure to build up over time. You may not feel this pressure, but it can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss, especially in peripheral vision. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, but early detection can slow or prevent further damage.

It’s a Real Risk for Us

Glaucoma often develops under the radar. Most people don’t feel pain or notice vision changes until the disease has already caused damage. That is why screenings are so important, especially for Black families who face a higher risk and earlier onset.

Research shows that glaucoma appears earlier and progresses faster in African Americans, and blindness from glaucoma is significantly more common in our communities. And this is precisely why glaucoma screenings are so important. Glaucoma can affect anyone, but it shows up earlier and hits harder in our community.

Who Should Get Screened

How often you need an eye exam depends on your age and your risk. If you’re under 40 and don’t have any risk factors, an eye exam every few years is generally fine.

For our community, the risk is higher. Because glaucoma often shows up earlier and moves faster for Black people, experts recommend a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years beginning at age 40. The National Eye Institute notes that African Americans should begin glaucoma evaluations earlier than other groups because of this increased risk.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology also offers general guidance on how often to get checked:

•  Every 2-4 years for adults ages 40–54
•  Every 1–3 years for adults ages 55–64
•  Every 1–2 years for adults 65 and older

For our community, these timelines often shift earlier because of the higher risk.

You should also get screened if:

• You have a parent or sibling with glaucoma
•  You have diabetes or high blood pressure
•  You have had an eye injury
• You have been using steroid medications long-term

Family history is significant. Siblings of people with glaucoma have a much higher chance of developing it themselves.

How Glaucoma Screening Works

A glaucoma screening is typically included in a comprehensive eye exam. It is not scary, and nothing should hurt. The BrightFocus Foundation provides a clear overview of the tests involved, and here is what the appointment typically includes.

A conversation about your eye health

Your doctor will ask about your vision, family history, and any medical conditions. This helps them understand your personal risk.

A check of your eye pressure

This is called tonometry. Some clinics use the puff of air. Others use a small device that gently touches the surface of your eye after numbing drops are applied. High pressure can be a sign of glaucoma, but pressure alone does not confirm the disease.

A look at your optic nerve

Using a bright light and a magnifying lens, your doctor examines the optic nerve at the back of your eye. Glaucoma affects this nerve first, so this step is essential.

A test of your side vision

This is the visual field test. You look straight ahead and press a button whenever you see small lights appear in your peripheral vision. Glaucoma often affects side vision before central vision.

A measurement of your corneal thickness

This is called pachymetry. A small probe touches your eye after numbing drops are applied. Corneal thickness can affect how intraocular pressure is measured, and thinner corneas are associated with higher glaucoma risk.

Imaging of the optic nerve

Some clinics use OCT imaging, which provides detailed images of the optic nerve and retinal layers. It helps track changes over time and can detect early damage.

What Happens After the Screening

Your doctor will review your results and let you know if anything looks concerning. They may recommend follow-up testing or regular monitoring. If glaucoma is suspected, early treatment can slow or prevent vision loss. Most people start with prescription eye drops, and many never need surgery.

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

Bring your glasses or contacts, a list of medications, and any information about family history. Expect your eyes to be dilated, which can make you sensitive to light for a few hours. And remember, choosing to get screened is something to be proud of. It’s a meaningful step to protect your health.

What to Remember

Glaucoma screenings are quick, painless, and one of the best ways to protect your vision. If your results show anything concerning, your doctor will walk you through the following steps. There are several effective treatments for glaucoma, but the first and most crucial step is getting screened.

Resources:

African Americans And Glaucoma – Glaucoma Research Foundation

Racial Disparities in Glaucoma: From Epidemiology to Pathophysiology – PMC

Eye Health Among Black/African American People | National Eye Institute

Frequency of Ocular Examination – American Academy of Ophthalmology

The Glaucoma Eye Exam: 6 Common Tests

The post What to Expect During a Glaucoma Screening appeared first on Black Health Matters.

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some groups face higher risk. For Black communities, the risk is especially serious. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the United States, and while there is no cure, early detection and treatment can protect your sight.

The Types of Glaucoma

Glaucoma isn’t just one disease. It’s a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually because of increased pressure inside the eye. The most common form in the U.S. is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and without symptoms.

There are other types as well:

Angle-Closure Glaucoma

This type happens when the drainage angle suddenly becomes blocked. Pressure rises very quickly and it causes strong eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurry vision. This is an emergency and needs immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma develops because of another problem in the eye, like an injury, inflammation, advanced diabetes, or long-term steroid use. These issues can raise eye pressure and block the drainage system. It can develop slowly or more quickly, depending on the cause.

Congenital Glaucoma

This rare type is present at birth. The eye’s drainage system didn’t form the right way, so pressure builds early. Babies may have large or cloudy-looking eyes, tearing, or sensitivity to light. Early treatment is important to protect vision.

Who Is at Higher Risk for Glaucoma?

Race

Black Americans face a disproportionate burden. According to a 2024 meta-analysis published in JAMA Ophthalmology, 3.15 percent of Black adults had glaucoma in 2022 compared with 1.43 percent of white adults.

Age

Risk increases with age. Adults over 60 are much more likely to develop glaucoma than younger adults.

Family History

A family history of glaucoma increases your risk, especially if a parent or sibling has been diagnosed.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may increase glaucoma risk. These conditions already affect our communities at higher rates, which makes regular eye exams even more important.

Corticosteroid Use

Steroids, also called corticosteroids, are medications that reduce inflammation and are commonly used for asthma, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Most people use low doses safely, but long-term or high-dose use can raise eye pressure. This is a reminder to talk with your doctor about any long-term medications and how they may affect your eyes.

Eye Injuries

Serious eye trauma can raise eye pressure or damage the drainage system. Glaucoma from injury can show immediately or even years later.

Other Factors

Extreme nearsightedness, thin corneas, retinal detachment, eye tumors, and chronic eye inflammation can all contribute to glaucoma risk.

How Often Should You Get Checked

How often you need an eye exam depends on your age and your risk. If you’re under 40 and don’t have any known risk factors, a comprehensive eye exam every few years is usually enough.

Once you turn 40, eye health starts to change, and glaucoma becomes more common. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends:

• Every 2-4 years for adults ages 40-54.
• Every 1-3 years for adults ages 55-64.
• Every 1-2 years for adults 65 and older.

Because glaucoma is more common in the our community and tends to appear earlier, Black adults should start getting exams  every 1-2 years beginning at age 40.

How to Protect Your Eyes

You can’t fully prevent glaucoma, but small habits can support eye health and lower your risk.

• Protect your eyes during sports, yard work, or any activity where something could hit your eye.
• Know your risk factors, including age, family history, diabetes, and long-term steroid use.
• Keep up with regular eye exams since glaucoma often has no early symptoms.
• Limit very high caffeine intake if you’re at higher risk, since large amounts can raise eye pressure.
• Avoid activities that put your head lower than your heart for long periods, like headstands, because they can temporarily increase eye pressure.
• Eat leafy greens like spinach and kale to support healthy blood flow to the eyes.
• Stay active, even with simple daily movement, like walking.
• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use.
• Take glaucoma medications exactly as prescribed if you already have the condition.

The Good News

With medication, laser treatment, or surgery, it is possible to slow or stop further vision loss. Early detection is key. Protecting your sight starts with showing up for that eye exam, especially if you are Black, over 40, or have a family history.

Resources:

VEHSS Modeled Estimates: Prevalence of Glaucoma | Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS) | CDC

Prevalence of Glaucoma Among US Adults in 2022 – PMC

Frequency of Ocular Examination – American Academy of Ophthalmology

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