Understanding Glaucoma

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Because of the insidious onset of Glaucoma, it is important for you to understand the various factors that individually or together can predispose you to developing Glaucoma. These factors are a fairly inclusive list, but not totally exhaustive list, of all Glaucoma risk factors ( http://www.glaucoma.org/learn/are_you_at_risk.html).

• Increased Intraocular Pressure
  If you have an elevated Intraocular Pressure (IOP) you may be at risk for Glaucoma.

• Age
  Glaucoma is much more common as we get older. In fact you are six times more likely to get Glaucoma if you are over 60 years of age. Beginning at around 40 years of age it is important to have a routine eye examination with a Glaucoma evaluation every 2 years if you have no other risk factors as listed here.

• Race
  African-Americans have certain genetic factors that cause a higher likelihood of developing Glaucoma. In fact they have a 6-fold increase in likeliness for getting Glaucoma as compared to Caucasians. Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in Afro-Americans. In addition there is some increased for those of Hispanic descent, especially over age 60 and a slight predisposition for Asians to develop Angle Closure Glaucoma.

• High Myopia
  Those who suffer from higher degrees of nearsightedness have certain anatomical features that may increase the risk of Glaucoma.

• Hypertension
  If you are taking medication for high blood pressure may be at greater risk for Glaucoma due to the lowering of the blood pressure within the Optic Nerve.

• Diabetes
  If you are being treated for diabetes you are considered to be at greater risk for Glaucoma due to the general circulation problems associated with diabetes.

• Family History
  If anyone in your family has Glaucoma, this is a very significant risk factor. If any other family members have been diagnosed with Glaucoma, your risk of developing Glaucoma increases 4-fold. This is particularly true for siblings of Glaucoma patients have a 5-fold increase in risk for developing Glaucoma.

• Corneal Thickness
  If your central corneal thickness is less than 500 microns, you are considered to have an increased risk for Glaucoma.

	Glaucoma Statistics
	Causes & Types of Glaucoma
	Open Angle Glaucoma
	Narrow Angle Glaucoma
	Glaucoma Risks Factors
	Glaucoma Treatment
	Glaucoma Medical Treatment
	Glaucoma Laser Treatment
	Glaucoma Surgery