Risk Factors for Glaucoma

Glaucoma describes eye disorders that cause progressive optic nerve damage. The optic nerve is vital for good vision, helping relay visual information between the eye and the brain. Damage to the optic nerve is often due to high eye pressure, but the disease can occur even when pressure is normal. 
 

The disease is more common among senior adults, the main cause of vision loss among individuals over 60. In most cases, the condition does not have early warning signs. It is helpful to find out the risk factors for glaucoma. 
 

Importance of Regular Eye Exams 

The best way to discover if you have glaucoma is through regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect primary open-angle glaucoma, the most known form of the disease. 
 

The exam involves the measurement of eye pressure; crucially, it can diagnose the condition in the early stages. Advanced glaucoma can cause blindness, but early detection can prevent or slow vision loss. People with glaucoma require eye treatment or monitoring for life. 
 

Risk Factors for Glaucoma 

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but some factors can increase the risk. They include:

·      Age. Being over 60 increases the risk of developing glaucoma. 
·      Race. African Americans have a higher risk than Caucasians.  
·      Genetics. People with a family history of the disease have an increased risk. 
·      Severe eye trauma or physical injuries to the eye. 
·      Medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.  
·      Thin corneas, optic nerve sensitivity, and chronic eye inflammation can increase the risk.
·      High amounts of myopia or nearsightedness. 
·      Use of corticosteroids for prolonged periods.  

Glaucoma usually affects the side or peripheral vision before advancing to central vision. 
 

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is the less common type of the disease that usually occurs abruptly. A rapid increase in eye pressure can cause the condition, which is an emergency. Vision loss occurs quickly and can happen within hours. Symptoms of the disease include:

Living With Glaucoma

Glaucoma cannot be cured, but if detected early, treatment can prevent or slow further vision loss. Examining changes in the optic nerve can help diagnose glaucoma. Eye doctors can recommend medication or surgery to treat the condition. Vision loss due to glaucoma is irreversible. The doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams, depending on your condition. 
 

Treatment Options for Glaucoma 

The goal of treatment for glaucoma is to reduce eye pressure. Using prescription drops is usually the first treatment option. Sometimes, the doctor may prescribe systemic medications to reduce pressure. 
 

Laser therapy can help drain fluid from the eye or destroy the tissue that produces the fluid. If medication and laser procedures fail to reduce pressure, the doctor may recommend surgery or a trabeculectomy. Surgery may involve creating a drainage flap to drain the fluid or implanting a drainage valve.
 

Other types of glaucoma include secondary glaucoma that occurs due to injury, medications, medical conditions, eye abnormalities, or eye surgery. Low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma often affects people with abnormally sensitive optic nerves. It can occur even when eye pressure is within normal range.
 

For more risk factors for glaucoma, visit Perspective Eye Care and Eye Wear at our Cullman, AL office. Call (256) 692-1464 to schedule an appointment today.