Glaucoma Risk After 40: OCT, Pressure, and Field Testing Explained

Glaucoma Risk After 40: OCT, Pressure, and Field Testing Explained

Turning forty may bring delightful surprises—perhaps a refined taste in coffee or the sudden urge to stretch before bed. But it also comes with a few less charming realities, such as an increased risk of glaucoma. This condition, often called the “sneaky thief of sight,” tends to tiptoe in without noticeable symptoms until vision is compromised. At OC Optometry Group, we believe that forewarned is forearmed—and in this case, also foresighted.

So, how do we outsmart such a discreet intruder? The answer lies in three key allies: OCT imaging, pressure checks, and visual field testing.

OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography)
Think of OCT as a high-definition photo shoot of your retina. Using light waves (no dyes, no pokes), it produces cross-sectional images of the optic nerve and surrounding tissue. These scans allow us to detect even the most subtle structural changes long before you might notice trouble with your vision.

Eye Pressure (Intraocular Pressure Testing)
Glaucoma is closely linked to elevated intraocular pressure. Measuring this is quick, painless, and as vital as checking blood pressure at a doctor’s visit. Not every person with high eye pressure develops glaucoma—but knowing your numbers helps us gauge your risk and create a watchful baseline.

Visual Field Testing
Imagine standing in a garden and realizing that, while the roses ahead look glorious, the tulips to your left seem to fade from view. That’s what glaucoma can do: chip away at peripheral vision. Visual field testing maps out your sight in all directions, revealing blind spots or patterns that are invisible to you but obvious to us.

Why This Matters After 40
Age doesn’t guarantee glaucoma, but the risk does climb steadily after the big four-zero. Family history, certain medical conditions, and even ethnicity can further nudge those odds. Early detection through these three methods is the difference between protecting vision for decades and discovering damage once it’s too late.

At OC Optometry Group, we view eye care as both science and art—a blend of precision technology and compassionate vigilance. If you’re over 40, consider this your gentle reminder: schedule your glaucoma screening. Your future self (and your roses and tulips) will thank you.