🎯 Bottom Line Up Front
This comprehensive guide explains how insurance companies evaluate glaucoma, what documentation strengthens your application, which factors influence your rates, and strategies for securing the best possible coverage, whether you have early-stage disease or more advanced glaucoma with vision impairment. We’ll cover different glaucoma types, vision impact assessment, associated conditions, and carrier selection strategies to help you navigate the underwriting process successfully.
Americans living with glaucoma
Don’t know they have it
Normal eye pressure range
Typical rating for early glaucoma
Understanding How Glaucoma Affects Life Insurance
Key insight: Glaucoma itself has minimal mortality impact, so early-stage, well-controlled glaucoma typically receives very favorable underwriting with standard to slight ratings.
Unlike conditions that directly shorten life expectancy, glaucoma primarily affects vision rather than mortality. This fundamental fact shapes underwriting philosophy—insurance companies recognize that controlled glaucoma with minimal vision loss poses little direct risk to life expectancy. However, underwriters consider glaucoma in the context of your overall health profile and evaluate specific risk factors associated with the condition.
The underwriting concern with glaucoma centers on three main areas. First, what does your glaucoma reveal about your overall health? Glaucoma is more common in people with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, so its presence prompts careful review of these systems. Second, have you experienced significant vision loss that could increase accident risk? Severe visual impairment can increase fall risk, driving accidents, and difficulty managing other health conditions. Third, does your glaucoma type or pattern suggest an underlying serious condition?
Minimal Impact Scenarios
Early-stage open-angle glaucoma, well-controlled eye pressure, no significant vision loss, good treatment compliance, no associated systemic disease, regular monitoring, qualifying for standard rates
Moderate Concern Factors
Moderate glaucoma with some field loss, difficulty achieving target pressure, multiple medications required, recent surgical intervention, glaucoma with diabetes or hypertension resulting in table 2-4 ratings
Higher Risk Factors
Advanced glaucoma with severe vision loss, uncontrolled intraocular pressure, legal blindness or near-blindness, recurrent angle-closure attacks, multiple failed surgical interventions requiring careful carrier evaluation
Insurance actuaries recognize that people with well-controlled glaucoma have mortality rates comparable to the general population. Unlike conditions where the disease itself shortens life, glaucoma’s primary impact is on vision, not longevity. This actuarial reality translates to favorable underwriting for the majority of glaucoma patients.
Professional Insight
“We routinely secure standard rates for clients with early to moderate open-angle glaucoma who demonstrate good pressure control and minimal vision loss. Even clients with more advanced disease can typically obtain coverage, though with higher ratings. The key is showing treatment compliance, regular ophthalmology follow-up, and stable or slowly progressive disease rather than rapid deterioration. Glaucoma alone rarely prevents someone from obtaining life insurance—it’s the associated conditions or severe vision impairment that occasionally complicate underwriting.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
For more insights on how various medical conditions affect coverage decisions, see our comprehensive guide on Life Insurance Approvals with Pre-Existing Medical Conditions.
What Underwriters Evaluate in Glaucoma Cases
Key insight: Underwriters focus on glaucoma type, disease stage, intraocular pressure control, visual field preservation, and treatment response rather than simply the presence of a glaucoma diagnosis.
When reviewing a life insurance application from someone with glaucoma, underwriters request specific medical documentation, including ophthalmology consultation notes and follow-up records, intraocular pressure measurements over time, visual field test results showing the extent of vision loss, optic nerve imaging (OCT scans) if available, current medication regimen and treatment history, and records of any laser procedures or glaucoma surgery performed.
| Evaluation Factor | What Underwriters Review | Impact on Approval |
|---|---|---|
| Glaucoma Type | Open-angle, angle-closure, normal-tension, secondary | High – Type indicates the underlying cause and prognosis |
| Disease Stage | Early, moderate, advanced, or severe | High – Primary determinant of rating severity |
| Intraocular Pressure | Current IOP and pressure control over time | High – Well-controlled pressure is crucial for a favorable rating |
| Visual Field Loss | Extent and pattern of field defects | High – Significant loss increases rating due to accident risk |
| Visual Acuity | Best corrected vision in each eye | High – Severe impairment or blindness is a major negative factor |
| Treatment Response | Pressure reduction achieved, disease stabilization | Medium – Good response indicates a favorable prognosis |
| Associated Conditions | Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease | Medium – Compounds overall mortality risk assessment |
Underwriters review your pressure measurements over time to assess control. Consistently achieving target pressures demonstrates effective treatment. Fluctuating pressures or persistent elevation despite treatment suggest more aggressive disease or poor medication compliance, both of which worsen your underwriting profile.
Critical Documents to Provide
- Ophthalmology consultation notes with glaucoma type specified
- Serial intraocular pressure measurements over 12-24 months
- Visual field test results showing current status and progression
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans, if available
- Current medication list with all eye drops and oral medications
- Records of laser procedures or glaucoma surgeries performed
- Post-operative follow-up documentation if proceduresare done
Coverage Prospects by Glaucoma Type and Stage
Key insight: Early-stage glaucoma typically qualifies for standard rates, while advanced disease with significant vision loss results in moderate to higher premium increases.
Insurance companies classify glaucoma cases primarily by type and disease stage, as this provides the most reliable predictor of disease progression and treatment response. Understanding these classifications helps set realistic expectations for your underwriting outcome.
Early-Stage Open-Angle Glaucoma
- Characteristics: Minimal optic nerve damage, well-controlled pressure
- Vision: No significant visual field loss
- Medication: Typically, one or two eye drops
- Monitoring: Regular ophthalmology follow-up showing stability
- Insurance Impact: Standard rates are highly achievable
Moderate Glaucoma
- Characteristics: Clear visual field defects, but central vision preserved
- Vision: Some peripheral field loss documented
- Medication: May require multiple medications or laser treatment
- Progression: Stable disease without rapid worsening
- Insurance Impact: Table 2-4 ratingsare typical
Advanced Glaucoma
- Characteristics: Extensive visual field loss, possible central vision threat
- Vision: Significant functional impairment documented
- Medication: May have required surgical intervention
- Pressure: Difficulty achieving the target despite multiple treatments
- Insurance Impact: Table 4-8, depending on visual function
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) accounts for about 90 percent of glaucoma cases and progresses slowly. This typically receives the most favorable insurance underwriting among glaucoma types. Angle-closure glaucoma, while less common, raises more underwriting concerns due to the emergency nature of acute attacks and potential for recurrence.
Normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) causes optic nerve damage despite normal intraocular pressures and raises questions about vascular insufficiency. Underwriters evaluate NTG cases carefully for associated cardiovascular disease, as the condition suggests impaired blood flow that could affect other organs.
How Vision Loss Impacts Insurability
Key insight: The degree of functional vision loss from glaucoma significantly influences insurance ratings, with legal blindness or near-total vision loss resulting in the highest premium increases.
Visual acuity and visual field extent together determine functional vision. Legal blindness is defined as best corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye, or visual field restricted to 20 degrees or less. Underwriters consider both measures when assessing accident risk and functional limitation from glaucoma.
Normal to Mild Impairment
- Good central vision preserved
- Can drive and work normally
- Minimal functional limitation
- Standard to Table 2 typical
Moderate Impairment
- Significant field loss present
- May have driving restrictions
- Some daily activity limitations
- Table 4-6 common
Severe or Legal Blindness
- Cannot drive legally
- Significant daily living impact
- Major functional limitations
- Table 8-12 or higher; some decline
Vision impairment increases mortality risk through several mechanisms. Fall risk increases significantly with reduced peripheral vision and depth perception, particularly in older adults, where falls can lead to serious injury or death. Driving becomes more dangerous or impossible with significant field loss or reduced acuity. Managing other health conditions becomes more difficult when you can’t see medication labels clearly or monitor blood sugar readings.
Additionally, severe vision loss can contribute to depression, social isolation, and reduced physical activity, all of which independently affect mortality risk. Underwriters recognize these indirect effects of vision impairment when assessing applications from people with advanced glaucoma.
Important Note on Vision Progression
The rate of vision loss progression matters as much as the current vision status. Stable moderate vision loss that hasn’t worsened in years suggests effective treatment and receives more favorable ratings than rapidly progressive vision loss, even if current vision is still relatively preserved. Serial visual field tests showing stability over 2-3 years provide strong evidence of disease control to underwriters.
Associated Health Conditions and Compound Risk
Key insight: Glaucoma rarely exists in isolation in high-risk individuals—associated conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease compound the underwriting assessment.
Glaucoma and Diabetes:
Diabetes significantly increases glaucoma risk, and the combination of both conditions raises underwriting concerns substantially. Underwriters evaluate whether you have additional diabetic eye disease like retinopathy alongside glaucoma, whether your diabetes is well-controlled, and whether you have other diabetes complications affecting kidneys, heart, or nerves.
If you have both glaucoma and diabetes, expect the combined conditions to result in higher ratings than either alone would warrant. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes with early glaucoma might result in Table 2-4 ratings, while poorly controlled diabetes with advanced glaucoma and retinopathy could result in Table 8+ ratings or potential decline.
Glaucoma and High Blood Pressure:
Hypertension and glaucoma frequently coexist. While high blood pressure is a risk factor for developing glaucoma, underwriters view well-controlled hypertension in someone with glaucoma as a neutral to slightly negative factor. Uncontrolled hypertension compounds concerns significantly. The key is demonstrating consistent blood pressure control through regular monitoring.
Glaucoma and Cardiovascular Disease:
The presence of cardiovascular disease (coronary artery disease, stroke history, and peripheral arterial disease) alongside glaucoma suggests systemic vascular problems. This combination, particularly with normal-tension glaucoma, raises significant underwriting concerns. The cardiovascular disease typically drives the insurance rating more than the glaucoma, but the combination indicates impaired vascular function affecting multiple organ systems.
Favorable Profile
- Glaucoma as an isolated condition
- No diabetes or well-controlled type 2
- Normal or controlled hypertension
- No cardiovascular disease
- Healthy weight and active lifestyle
Outcome: Rated on glaucoma severity alone
High Risk Profile
- Advanced glaucoma with vision loss
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- History of stroke or heart disease
- Multiple significant health conditions
Outcome: High ratings or decline; alternative coverage needed
Optimizing Your Application for Best Rates
Key insight: Demonstrating excellent glaucoma control with comprehensive ophthalmology records is essential for achieving the best possible insurance rates.
The best time to apply for life insurance with glaucoma is after you’ve demonstrated at least 12 months of good disease control. This timeline allows you to show multiple ophthalmology visits with stable pressures, document that visual fields aren’t rapidly worsening, prove medication compliance through consistent follow-up, and establish that you’re managing the condition responsibly with regular monitoring.
1. Gather Complete Medical Records
Collect all ophthalmology consultation notes, intraocular pressure measurements over 12-24 months, visual field test results, OCT imaging, medication lists, and surgical records if applicable. Having organized records ready demonstrates medical compliance and accelerates underwriting.
2. Ensure Adequate Disease Control Period
Wait at least 12 months post-diagnosis with demonstrated stable pressures at target levels. If you’ve had glaucoma surgery, allow 3-6 months for recovery and to verify surgical success before applying.
3. Optimize Associated Health Conditions
Get blood pressure well-controlled if hypertensive, achieve optimal blood sugar control if diabetic, and manage any other medical conditions effectively. This improves your overall health profile.
4. Submit Comprehensive Application
Present complete medical documentation upfront, emphasizing disease control, treatment compliance, vision preservation, and functional status. Underwriters value a thorough self-initiated evaluation showing health consciousness.
Pre-Application Preparation Checklist
- Timing: At least 12 months of demonstrated glaucoma control
- Documentation: Complete ophthalmology records from the past 2-3 years
- Pressure control: Serial IOP readings showing achievement of target levels
- Vision stability: Visual field tests demonstrating stable or minimally progressive disease
- Medication compliance: Regular ophthalmology visits confirming adherence
- Associated conditions: Well-controlled diabetes, hypertension, or other comorbidities
- Professional guidance: Consider working with an insurance broker experienced in medical conditions
Professional Insight
“The clients who secure the best rates with glaucoma are those who provide comprehensive ophthalmology records upfront, showing clear evidence of disease control. When we can present an application demonstrating two years of stable pressures at target levels, minimal progression on visual field testing, excellent medication compliance, and good functional vision, we routinely secure standard to Table 2 ratings even for moderate glaucoma. The documentation quality and completeness make a substantial difference in underwriting outcomes.”
– InsuranceBrokers USA – Management Team
Best Carriers for Glaucoma Applicants
Key insight: While most major carriers underwrite glaucoma reasonably, some companies have more favorable guidelines for moderate to advanced cases.
Most life insurance carriers view mild to moderate glaucoma favorably and offer competitive rates. However, for advanced glaucoma with significant vision loss, carrier selection becomes more important. Some companies have medical directors with ophthalmology backgrounds who better understand the nuances of glaucoma staging and prognosis.
Independent brokers who work with multiple carriers can identify which companies have offered the best rates for glaucoma cases similar to yours. Our Top 10 Best Life Insurance Companies in the U.S. (2025): Expert Broker Rankings can help identify carriers most likely to provide favorable consideration for various medical conditions, including glaucoma.
Traditional Underwriting
Full medical records review, detailed underwriting. Best for well-documented cases with organized records. Usually provides the most competitive rates for standard and mild table cases.
Simplified Issue Policies
Limited health questions, no medical exam. May provide better value for moderate glaucoma that might receive Table 4-6 ratings. Trade-off: higher base premiums, lower coverage limits.
Group Life Insurance
Employer-sponsored, typically guaranteed issue for base coverage. Best option for advanced glaucoma. Consider maximizing group coverage if available.
Guaranteed Issue Policies
No medical questions required. Available for severe vision loss or legally blind applicants. Limited coverage ($25,000-$50,000) with higher premiums but guaranteed acceptance.
✓ Carrier Selection Strategy
Apply to multiple carriers simultaneously through an independent broker specializing in medical conditions. Different carriers have varying philosophies on glaucoma underwriting. Pre-screening before formal application prevents adverse MIB records. Select carriers based on their known guidelines for your specific glaucoma profile—early-stage cases can apply broadly, while advanced cases benefit from carriers known for favorable ophthalmology expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my life insurance rates be higher just because I have glaucoma?
Not necessarily. If you have early-stage glaucoma that’s well-controlled with good vision preservation, many carriers will offer standard rates with no premium increase. Glaucoma itself doesn’t shorten life expectancy, so underwriters focus on disease severity, associated conditions, and functional impairment rather than simply the diagnosis. Most people with mild to moderate glaucoma obtain insurance at standard to modest table ratings. Only advanced glaucoma with significant vision loss or poorly controlled disease typically results in higher premium increases.
Do I need to disclose glaucoma if it’s well-controlled and I have no vision loss?
Yes, you must disclose all diagnosed medical conditions regardless of how well-controlled they are. Insurance applications specifically ask about eye diseases and glaucoma. The insurance company will obtain medical records from all your physicians, including your eye doctor, which will document your glaucoma diagnosis. Misrepresentation or omission can result in policy rescission or claim denial. The good news is that well-controlled glaucoma with no vision loss typically has minimal to no impact on your premium rates, so honest disclosure shouldn’t prevent you from obtaining excellent coverage.
Can I get life insurance if I’m legally blind from glaucoma?
Yes, though it will be more challenging and expensive than for people with normal vision. Legal blindness results in higher premium ratings, typically Table 8-12 or higher, reflecting increased accident risk and functional impairment. Some traditional carriers may decline, particularly if you have other significant health conditions alongside the blindness. However, many carriers will approve blindness cases with appropriate ratings. Group life insurance through employment often provides the best coverage opportunity for legally blind individuals.
Should I wait to apply for life insurance until my glaucoma surgery heals?
Generally, yes, it’s better to wait 3-6 months after glaucoma surgery to demonstrate good surgical outcomes before applying for insurance. Underwriters want to see that the surgery successfully lowered your pressure to target levels, that you didn’t experience complications, that your vision stabilized or improved, and that you don’t require additional surgical intervention. Applying immediately after surgery introduces uncertainty about your prognosis.
How does having glaucoma in both eyes affect my life insurance rates?
Most glaucoma affects both eyes, so bilateral disease is the expected pattern and doesn’t automatically worsen your rates compared to unilateral disease. What matters is the severity in each eye and your overall functional vision. If both eyes have mild glaucoma with good control, you’ll likely receive standard or minimal ratings. If one eye has advanced disease but the other eye maintains good vision, underwriters focus primarily on the better eye’s status. The worst scenario is bilateral advanced glaucoma with significant vision loss in both eyes.
Can I get approved if I have glaucoma and diabetes?
Yes, though the combination results in higher ratings than either condition alone would warrant. Both the glaucoma severity and diabetes control matter enormously. Well-controlled type 2 diabetes with early-stage glaucoma might result in Table 2-4 ratings. Poorly controlled diabetes with diabetic retinopathy plus advanced glaucoma could result in Table 8-plus ratings or potential decline. Working with a broker experienced in complex medical cases helps identify carriers most likely to approve diabetes-glaucoma combinations at reasonable rates.
Will my premium rates improve over time if my glaucoma stays stable?
Unfortunately, life insurance premiums are locked in when your policy is issued and don’t automatically decrease even if your health remains stable or improves. However, you can potentially improve your rates by applying for a new policy after several more years of stability. If you received a rated policy shortly after diagnosis, reapplying after 3-5 years of demonstrated excellent control might qualify you for better rates. Your broker can help evaluate whether reapplying would be financially beneficial.
Ready to Explore Your Life Insurance Options?
Whether you have early-stage glaucoma with minimal vision impact or more advanced disease with significant vision changes, our specialized team can help you navigate the insurance landscape to find coverage that fits your needs and budget. We understand that glaucoma cases vary widely and work with carriers who recognize that early-stage, well-controlled glaucoma poses minimal mortality risk.
Free confidential consultation – All consultations are HIPAA compliant
