Yes and yes. While elevated intraocular pressure is an important risk factor for the development and progression of glaucoma, not all people with elevated intraocular pressure will develop glaucoma. Moreover, many people will develop glaucoma even in the absence of elevated intraocular pressure in what is termed “normal-tension glaucoma”.[1] The implication from the above is that the amount of tolerated intraocular pressure may vary between individuals,[2] and that the pathophysiology of glaucoma is likely multifactorial; that is, factors other than intraocular pressure are involved in the development and progression of the condition.
Can I have elevated intraocular pressure without glaucoma or glaucoma without elevated intraocular pressure?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Yes, it is possible to have elevated intraocular pressure without developing glaucoma, and conversely, glaucoma can occur without elevated intraocular pressure, as observed in normal-tension glaucoma. This indicates that individual tolerance to intraocular pressure varies and that glaucoma's development is influenced by multiple factors beyond just intraocular pressure.