At what age should tonometry screening for glaucoma ideally begin?

Tonometry screening for glaucoma is typically recommended to begin at age 40. This age is significant because it is generally considered the threshold when the risk for developing glaucoma increases, particularly for individuals with average risk. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that a comprehensive eye exam, which includes tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, start at this age, especially for those without risk factors.

Beginning screening at age 40 allows for early detection and management of glaucoma before significant damage occurs to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss. The condition often develops slowly, and many patients may not present with noticeable symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage. Regular screenings can catch the disease early when it is most treatable.

In contrast, starting screening at ages below 40 does not align with current guidelines for the general population, reflecting that significant risk factors and incidence rates typically do not escalate until this point. Conversely, for individuals with specific risk factors, such as a family history of glaucoma, screening may be recommended even earlier, but for the general population, age 40 is the standard recommendation.