Glaucoma Risk for Hispanics and Latinos

This is the most common form, accounting for the large majority of glaucoma cases. It develops slowly as the eye's natural drainage system becomes less efficient over time, allowing pressure to gradually build and damage the optic nerve. Because it causes no pain or early symptoms, it often goes undetected for years without regular screening.

This less common but more urgent form occurs when the eye's drainage angle becomes suddenly blocked, causing a rapid and dangerous spike in eye pressure. Symptoms can include severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and sudden vision changes. An acute angle-closure attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent permanent blindness.

In this form, damage to the optic nerve occurs even though eye pressure falls within what is considered the normal range. This type may be more common among people of Hispanic and Latino heritage and is one important reason why a comprehensive examination of the optic nerve itself is essential, not just a pressure check.

Secondary glaucoma develops as a result of another condition or circumstance, such as an eye injury, prolonged use of steroid medications, or inflammatory eye conditions like uveitis. Identifying and treating the underlying cause is an important part of managing this type.

Most guidelines recommend that Hispanic and Latino adults begin comprehensive eye exams by age 40, even without symptoms. If you have a strong family history of glaucoma, diabetes, or other significant risk factors, starting as early as age 35 may be appropriate. Your doctor can help you determine the right schedule based on your specific situation.

There is currently no cure for glaucoma, and any vision that has already been lost cannot be restored. That said, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment, the disease can be effectively managed so that progression is slowed or stopped. Protecting the vision you have now is exactly what treatment is designed to do.

Not always, and this is an important point. High eye pressure is the most well-known risk factor, but a form called normal-tension glaucoma causes optic nerve damage even when pressure readings appear normal. This is why a full examination of the optic nerve, including imaging when appropriate, is a necessary part of any thorough glaucoma evaluation.

A complete glaucoma evaluation typically includes tonometry to measure eye pressure, a dilated exam to directly view the optic nerve for signs of damage, and visual field testing (called perimetry) to check for any loss of peripheral vision. Your doctor may also use optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging tool that provides a detailed cross-section of the optic nerve, to detect subtle structural changes before functional vision loss occurs.

Yes, healthy lifestyle habits can support your eye health in meaningful ways. Regular aerobic exercise has been shown to help lower eye pressure in some people. Managing blood sugar and blood pressure, eating a diet rich in antioxidants and leafy vegetables, and avoiding smoking all contribute to healthier blood vessels and a reduced overall risk. These habits complement, but do not replace, regular professional eye exams.

Without treatment, glaucoma causes gradual, permanent, and irreversible vision loss. It typically begins at the edges of your visual field, creating a narrowing tunnel effect that slowly closes in over time, and can eventually lead to complete blindness. Because each stage of damage cannot be undone, early and consistent treatment is the only way to preserve the vision you have.