Can glaucoma develop even if your eye pressure is normal?

Yes. This condition is called normal-tension glaucoma, and it occurs when the optic nerve is damaged despite having eye pressure within the normal range. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but factors like reduced blood flow to the optic nerve or increased sensitivity of the nerve tissue may play a role.

Because it can be missed in standard screenings focused only on eye pressure, comprehensive eye exams, including optic nerve imaging, are essential for early detection.