Glaucoma: The Need for Early Detection and Safe Treatment Practices

Rutgers Health experts report glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States, affecting more than 3 million people and often advancing silently until significant optic nerve injury. Early peripheral field loss commonly goes unnoticed until damage is substantial, shifting clinical emphasis from symptom-driven diagnosis to proactive screening. Routine ocular assessment—including intraocular pressure measurement and optic nerve imaging—is essential to intercept disease before functional decline. Early detection is the primary strategy for preserving vision in adults at increased risk for glaucoma.

Because glaucoma is frequently asymptomatic, primary and specialty care priorities should be intraocular pressure control, systematic optic nerve evaluation, and formal visual field testing. These elements, combined with consistent documentation and scheduled follow-up, help distinguish progressive from stable findings and enable timely intervention.

Screening should focus on high-risk groups—older adults, Black and Hispanic patients, those with a family history, and patients with steroid exposure—because targeted efforts improve case-finding efficiency. Clinicians should adjust screening frequency based on age, ancestry, and family history rather than rely on a single universal interval to improve early-stage detection when treatment is most effective.

Optical coherence tomography, automated perimetry, and scalable tele-screening models have enhanced structure–function correlation and widened access to diagnostic testing. Emerging device-based approaches and novel implants show promise but warrant cautious interpretation; some reports highlight safety concerns for particular treatments and perioperative products. Robust postmarket surveillance and clear adverse-event reporting pathways are essential to identify device-related risks promptly and to guide safe adoption.

Key Takeaways:

• Glaucoma affects >3 million U.S. adults and is frequently asymptomatic; early detection prevents irreversible vision loss.
• Prioritize targeted screening for older adults, Black and Hispanic patients, and those with family history or steroid exposure.
• Implement structured diagnostic pathways (IOP, optic nerve imaging, automated perimetry) and expedite referrals for progressive findings.
• Adopt new diagnostic technologies cautiously and ensure active postmarket surveillance for devices and implants.