Glaucoma Risk Factor | Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve. In some cases, a buildup of fluid in the eye develops, increasing the intraocular pressure. 

Glaucoma is one of the top causes of blindness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the second leading cause of vision loss worldwide. In the United States, about 3 million people have glaucoma.

In the early stage of glaucoma, symptoms may be subtle, and many people may not even be aware they have the condition. However, glaucoma can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam. While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, early treatment may slow the progression of the disease and preserve vision.

Understanding your risk factors helps determine the frequency of comprehensive eye exams. 
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What are the risks of glaucoma? 

Anyone can develop glaucoma. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, several factors increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including the following: 

Increased eye pressure: Eye pressure can build up if there's an abnormality in the eye's drainage system. Normally, the eye constantly makes aqueous fluid. As new fluid is made, some fluid drains out. However, a problem can develop with the drainage system in the eye, which causes a buildup of fluid. The increase in fluid can put additional pressure on the optic nerve, which may potentially damage it, leading to glaucoma.

Being over 40: Being older can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. The natural aging process may weaken the drainage system in the eye, leading to abnormal fluid buildup and increased pressure.

Having had a past eye injury: Past trauma to the eye may damage the drainage system. This leads to increased fluid and, possibly, increased pressure, which stresses the optic nerve and increases the risk of glaucoma.

Having a family member with glaucoma: Having a family history of glaucoma also appears to be a risk factor. There may be a genetic link that makes someone predisposed to developing glaucoma.

Being farsighted or nearsighted: Certain changes to the eye that can occur in people who are nearsighted or farsighted may make the optic nerve more susceptible to damage from increased ocular pressure.

Using steroid medications long-term: One of the potential side effects of long-term steroid use is an increased risk of glaucoma.  Steroids may alter the trabecular meshwork, which helps drain fluid. If this system is not working effectively, it may cause the buildup of fluid and increase eye pressure. Long-term steroid use may be recommended to treat several different types of diseases, including asthma, COPD, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Certain medical conditions such as migraines, diabetes, and high blood pressure: Certain diseases, such as diabetes, may damage blood vessels throughout the body, including the eyes. This may alter how blood flows to the eyes, impacting the nutrients and oxygen delivered to the optic nerve. Over time, this may make the optic nerve more susceptible to damage.

Thin corneas: Thin corneas appear to indicate structural weakness at the optic nerve level. Researchers theorize that this structural weakness may make the optic nerve more susceptible to damage from increased eye pressure.

Being of Hispanic, African, or Asian heritage: For reasons that are not entirely clear, individuals of specific heritage appear to have a genetic predisposition for developing glaucoma.  
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​Can you prevent glaucoma? 

Currently, there is no way to prevent glaucoma from developing. However, regular eye exams are vital so your eye specialist can diagnose the disease and take steps before it leads to vision loss.

We hope the information above was helpful so you can determine if you have risk factors for developing glaucoma.  If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.