Glaucoma Riskfactors

Glaucoma risk factors are certain factors that may increases the chances of having glaucoma, preventing these factor helps to prevent glaucoma.

Glaucoma risk factors and how to prevent them?

• Age – over 60 years are at highest risk for the disease. However, the increase in risk begins after age 40.
• Family history of glaucoma - increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Medical conditions - Some studies indicate that diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases may increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
• Physical injuries to the eye - can immediately increase the eye pressure and further increases in pressure may happen due to internal damage. Injury may also cause dislocation of the lens, blocking of the drainage angle, and further increasing pressure.
• Other eye related risk factors - Corneal thickness and optic nerve appearance is a risk for development of glaucoma. Conditions such as retinal detachment, eye tumors, and eye inflammations may also induce glaucoma. Some studies suggest that high nearsightedness may also be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
• Corticosteroid use – for prolonged time may increase the risk of having secondary glaucoma.

Reducing these glaucoma risk factors helps to preventing glaucoma.