Why a hurt eye needs pressure checks long after the injury
An ophthalmologist and a glaucoma specialist make the case for later checkups
A hit to the eye can damage its drainage angle. This is the spot inside the eye where fluid drains out. Once the first bruising fades, the eye may feel fine. Even so, the pressure inside can climb later. For some people, this leads to glaucoma. Glaucoma can slowly harm the optic nerve with no pain at first. [1, 2]
This kind of glaucoma may show up months or years after the injury. Not everyone who takes a blow to the eye will get it. Still, if the angle may have been hurt, plan your checkups ahead. [1, 2]
Ask what your eye doctor checked
Ask your ophthalmologist if your eye pressure was checked. Find out whether the drainage angle should be looked at once the fresh injury calms down. This angle exam is called gonioscopy. Your doctor may also record the state of your optic nerve and your visual field. Those records help with comparisons down the road. Mention any blood in the eye, past eye injuries or use of drops that lower eye pressure. [1, 2]
Go to checkups even if your eye feels fine
A normal pressure reading at your first visit is good news. Still, if an angle injury was found, you’ll need to be seen again later. Ask how often your own eye needs a look. If the pressure rises too high, medicine or other treatment may protect the optic nerve. Do not start, stop or share eye drops on your own. Keep a record of which eye was hurt and what your exams showed. [1, 2]
New symptoms that need care right away
Get urgent eye care for sudden vision loss, strong eye pain or a new dark curtain over your sight. A severe headache along with eye symptoms needs urgent care too. These signs can point to a problem that needs attention now, separate from glaucoma that may come later. [2]
Questions about your eye pressure
- Was the drainage angle damaged?
- When should my eye pressure, nerve health and vision be checked again?
- What result would change how often I’m seen?
Book the next eye visit before you leave
Before you walk out of the clinic, put your next recommended eye appointment on your calendar. [1]
Sources and further reading
- 1American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki, angle recession glaucoma
- 2American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki, blunt ocular trauma
Consider this general education from ophthalmology and glaucoma care. Most people with a damaged drainage angle don’t go on to develop glaucoma. What helps is the right exam and steady checkups, with no need to assume you will lose vision.
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