Can you have glaucoma even if eye pressure is normal?

Generally speaking, whether normal intraocular pressure (IOP) can still indicate glaucoma depends on the specific type and clinical presentation. If there is any eye discomfort, timely medical evaluation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Some patients with normal-tension glaucoma may have IOP within the normal range but still suffer from glaucoma. These individuals have a lower tolerance of the optic nerve to IOP. Even when IOP does not exceed standard values, progressive optic nerve damage can occur, leading to symptoms such as visual field defects and vision loss. Diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluations including fundus examination and visual field testing; glaucoma cannot be ruled out based solely on normal IOP.

If IOP is normal, the optic nerve appears healthy, and no visual field defects are present, glaucoma is unlikely. The hallmark features of glaucoma are optic nerve damage and visual field abnormalities. When IOP is within normal limits, fundus examination shows no signs of optic nerve atrophy, visual field testing results are normal, and there are no symptoms such as eye discomfort or headache, glaucoma can generally be ruled out.

To accurately determine the presence or absence of glaucoma, assessment should not rely solely on IOP measurements. Comprehensive ophthalmologic evaluations—including optic nerve examination and visual field testing—are essential. In daily life, it's important to practice good eye habits, avoid prolonged near-work, and undergo regular eye examinations for early detection of ocular conditions.