Glaucoma can develop gradually without causing noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Because vision loss from glaucoma cannot usually be reversed, finding the disease early is an important part of protecting long-term eye health. For adults in San Antonio, knowing when to begin glaucoma screenings depends on age, family history, overall health, and other individual risk factors.

At Alamo Eye Care, we evaluate each patient's glaucoma risk as part of comprehensive eye care and recommend appropriate testing based on what we find.

Is Age 40 the Right Time to Start?

There is no single screening age that applies to every adult. However, age is an important glaucoma risk factor. By age 40, it is a good idea to discuss glaucoma risk with your eye doctor, particularly if you have additional risk factors.

Some adults may need glaucoma screening earlier or more frequently. Adults over age 60 are at increased risk, while certain groups can have an increased risk beginning at a younger age.

Regular comprehensive eye exams in San Antonio allow us to monitor your eyes over time rather than waiting for noticeable vision changes to develop.

Who Should Be Screened More Closely?

Your eye doctor may recommend earlier or more frequent glaucoma evaluations if you have factors that increase your risk, including:
 

• A family history of glaucoma

• High eye pressure

• Diabetes, high blood pressure, or circulation problems

• Previous eye injuries

• Long-term use of certain prescription steroids

• A thin cornea or changes to the optic nerve

• African, Hispanic, or Asian ancestry

• Significant nearsightedness or farsightedness

Having one or more risk factors does not mean you have glaucoma. It does mean that consistent monitoring may be especially important.

Why You Should Not Wait for Symptoms

The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, often progresses slowly and may not cause pain or obvious vision changes at first. By the time someone notices difficulty with peripheral vision, optic nerve damage may already be present.

This is why glaucoma screenings are valuable even when your eyesight seems clear. A routine vision check alone does not provide the same information as a comprehensive eye health evaluation.

For patients in San Antonio, glaucoma testing can help us look for changes in eye pressure, the optic nerve, peripheral vision, and other indicators that may require closer monitoring.

How Often Should Adults Be Checked?

The right schedule depends on your individual eye health. Adults at higher risk for glaucoma may need comprehensive dilated eye exams every one to two years, and some patients may require more frequent monitoring based on their findings.

If you already have elevated eye pressure, suspicious optic nerve changes, or a glaucoma diagnosis, we can create a personalized follow-up schedule. Early detection gives us more opportunity to manage eye pressure and help protect the vision you still have.

If you are approaching 40, have glaucoma risk factors, or are overdue for an eye health evaluation, schedule a glaucoma screening with Alamo Eye Care in San Antonio, TX at (210) 403-9050.