Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?

Question: Am I at Risk for Glaucoma?

Answer: Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness. It is commonly known as the "sneak thief of sight" because it slowly causes vision loss without any warning signs. Glaucoma cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled if diagnosed early. Certain people are at a greater risk than others for developing glaucoma, so it's a good idea to be aware of the following risk factors:

• People over the age of 50.
  Glaucoma usually affects people in their fifth decade of life, but it can occur at any age, including childhood.
  
  
• Those who are severely nearsighted.
  Being nearsighted, or myopic, increases the risk of developing glaucoma.
  
  
• Individuals with certain medical problems.
  Having diabetes, hypertension, previous eye surgery or long-term steroid use increses the risk.
  
  
• Individuals of African descent.
  African Americans have glaucoma four to five times more often than others, often at a younger age.
  
  
• Those with a family history of the disease.
  If members of your immediate family have glaucoma, you are at a much higher risk than than others.
  
  
• People with a history of eye injury or trauma.
  Certain eye injuries can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to glaucoma.
  
  
• Those with high intra-occular pressure.
  If the internal pressure of the eye is higher than normal, the risk of developing glaucoma is increased, but not everyone with elevated pressure will develop the disease.
  
  
• Those with an abnormal optic nerve.
  Having an enlarged optic nerve increases your risk.

If you have any of the risk factors for glaucoma, it is essential to have an annual dilated eye examination. Glaucoma is an easily detected disease that can be treated. Vision loss from glaucoma cannot be restored, so it is important to treat the condition as early as possible to preserve vision.

_{Source: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health. Glaucoma. April 2006.}