A Family History of Glaucoma? What to Discuss at Your Eye Exam in Arcadia or Pasadena

If a parent or sibling has just been diagnosed with glaucoma, mention it at your next eye exam, even if you can still read the smallest line on the eye chart. The most common form of glaucoma can affect side vision so gradually that you still see clearly straight ahead. At our Arcadia and Pasadena offices, we use your family history to help decide what to check and how often.

What Should I Ask My Family Before My Exam?

Start with what you know. “My dad uses eye drops for glaucoma” gives us a place to begin. If you have a chance to talk with your relatives before your appointment, a few details can help us understand your risk.

• Which relatives have glaucoma, and how are they related to you?

• About how old were they when they learned they had it?

• Do they know which type they have, such as open-angle or angle-closure glaucoma?

Your own eye history matters, too. If a previous eye doctor mentioned high eye pressure or recommended another test, tell us what you remember. Bring any prior eye pressure readings or test results you already have so we can compare them with what we find today.

What Can My Eye Exam Tell Me Beyond Eye Pressure?

We measure eye pressure because it can affect the optic nerve, which carries visual information from your eye to your brain. Glaucoma can develop even when pressure falls within the usual range. During a dilated eye exam, we can look directly at the optic nerve for signs of damage.

Depending on what we see, we may recommend a visual field test. You look straight ahead and press a button when you notice a light. This helps us map areas of side vision where you may already be missing details without realizing it.

When Should I Come Back?

Before you leave, ask what we’ll compare at your next visit and when to schedule it. For many adults with a family history of glaucoma, a dilated eye exam every one to two years is appropriate. If we see a change in your optic nerve or find elevated eye pressure, we may want to see you sooner.

To discuss your family history and schedule an eye exam with Clarity Advanced Optometry, call our Arcadia, CA office at (626) 445-2717 or our Pasadena, CA office at (626) 463-1314.