Hello,

Thank you for asking your query at DoctorSpring.com.

Some Glaucomas are hereditary. So you may have two to three times higher chance of getting glaucoma at any stage of life than the normal population. But that does not mean that you will get it. There is an increased probability, that’s all.

From your description and the Ophthalmologist’s observations there is no need for worry as of now. A pressure of 17 is within normal range and a slight cupping can be a normal variant too. Just cupping alone is not sufficient to come to any solid conclusion But this is only true if your Ophthalmologist has done a comprehensive eye examination. I hope he has done it and there is no reason to think otherwise since you have got a risk factor.Regarding the screening you need to screen only once a year. In people with risk factors and over age of 40 an yearly screening is recommended by American Academy of Ophthalmology - AAO. (For those without any risk factors it’s recommended in every 3 to 5 years)
 
To conclude I would recommend you the following.
1. If you have any eye related symptom or headache, consult an Ophthalmologist without delay.
2. If this issue bothers you much, schedule an early screening for next time. Within 6 months or even 4 months. There after go for an yearly screening (or as per the recommendation of your Doctor)
. In any case yearly screening is a must.

Hope this helps
Please feel free to ask followup questions, if you have any.
 
Thank you

Thank you for asking your followup query.

Comprehensive eye exam include - tonometry (testing the pressure inside the eye balls), examination of the retina, visual field testing , assessing the thickness of cornea (Pachymerty ) and sometimes  Gonioscopy (measuring the angle).You can be sure only if you ask your ophthalmologist whether these has been done. 

Major Symptoms to be considered are- 
•    Decreased vision
•    Halos around lights
•    Headache
•    Severe eye pain
•    Nausea and vomiting
But I would suggest to you get in touch with your Doctor in any kind of eye symptoms or headache. Also note that many a times Glaucoma can be totally asymptomatic. And thats the purpose of yearly screening. 

Hope this helps
Thank you.