Not many years ago, glaucoma was defined simply by high pressure in the eye. Glaucoma screenings consisted of a pressure
check only. We now know that pressure is only a "risk factor" for developing glaucoma. There are people with normal
pressures that eventually have deterioration of the optic nerve, thinning of the retinal nerve fiber layer, restriction of
the visual field, and finally, loss of vision. It is extremely important to detect and treat this before damage occurs. It
can be diagnosed only by regular thorough exams.
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