The best way to protect yourself from loss of vision due to glaucoma is to have annual eye exams with an eye care professional who has the most advanced testing technology to detect glaucoma at its earliest stages. Glaucoma usually has no signs or symptoms until serious vision loss occurs. Risk factors for glaucoma include: Diabetes High degree of nearsightedness Family history of glaucoma African-American descent High blood pressure Elevated ocular pressure High degree of farsightedness Previous eye injury Prolonged steroid use In recognition of the importance of early detection and management of glaucoma, Medicare and most private insurers offer coverage for annual glaucoma screenings. For patients that have been diagnosed with glaucoma, they should schedule an eye exam every 3 to 4 months, since there is no way to determine whether glaucoma is under control based on the way they feel.