When your normal-tension glaucoma, a form of glaucoma that damages the optic nerve without elevated eye pressure. Also known as low-tension glaucoma, it’s one of the most confusing types because your eye pressure readings look fine—yet your vision is still at risk. This isn’t a mistake in the test. It’s a real condition where the optic nerve is unusually sensitive, or blood flow to the eye is poor, or both. You might not feel anything until you notice blind spots in your peripheral vision, often in one eye first. By then, damage is already done.
Unlike regular glaucoma, where high intraocular pressure, the fluid pressure inside the eye is the main villain, normal-tension glaucoma points to other culprits. Research shows optic nerve damage, the progressive loss of nerve fibers that send visual signals to the brain in these cases often links to poor circulation, low blood pressure (especially at night), or autoimmune factors. People with a history of migraines, Raynaud’s syndrome, or sleep apnea are more likely to develop it. It’s also more common in people of Japanese descent and tends to show up later in life.
Doctors don’t just check your pressure and call it a day. They look at your optic nerve with detailed imaging, test your peripheral vision, and sometimes monitor your blood pressure over 24 hours. Treatment still focuses on lowering eye pressure—even if it’s already in the "normal" range—because every little drop helps protect the nerve. Eye drops like prostaglandins or beta-blockers are common, but lifestyle matters too. Avoiding sudden drops in blood pressure, sleeping with your head slightly elevated, and managing stress can make a difference. There’s no cure, but catching it early means you can hold onto your vision for decades.
You’ll find posts here that dig into how certain medications can affect eye pressure, what happens when glaucoma mixes with other health issues like kidney disease or sleep disorders, and how to spot early signs before it’s too late. These aren’t theoretical guides—they’re real-world insights from people managing this quietly progressive condition. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for someone who is, or just want to understand why your pressure is normal but your vision isn’t, this collection gives you the practical answers you need.
Nov, 22 2025
Glaucoma is a silent eye disease caused by optic nerve damage, often linked to elevated eye pressure. Early detection through regular eye exams can prevent vision loss. Treatment focuses on lowering pressure to slow progression.
