Glaucoma Risk Factors

It is goes by the name of the "silent thief of sight" as the vision loss it causes usually occurs without any warning symptoms.

The disease unfortunately cannot be prevented but an early diagnosis can help control its progress.

Certain categories of patient have a greater risk compared to general population for developing glaucoma, so it pays to be aware of common risk factors:

1. Patients over the age of 45:Glaucoma commonly affects patients in their fifth decade of life, although it may occur at a younger age.

2. Certain general health problems:

Patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, previous intra ocular eye surgery or long-term use of steroids may increase the chances of developing glaucoma.

3. High intra-ocular pressure:If the internal intra ocular pressure of the eye is raised, the risk of glaucoma occurring is increased. Not all increased eye pressure however results in glaucoma developing.

5. Patients with a close family history of glaucoma:If a members of your immediate family has glaucoma, you as a patient have a higher riskof developing this eye condition.

6. History of eye trauma:Certain eye trauma can cause intra ocular damage to the fluid drainage system, leading to increased pressure and glaucoma.

7. Patients who are short sighted / myopic:Being short sighted, or myopic, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma eye disease.

8. Patients with an enlarged optic nerve:There is an increased risk with abnormal/enlarged optic nerve anatomy.

If you have any concerns about glaucoma, it is important to have a regular eye examination with an optometrist.

Glaucoma can be easily detected with appropriate eye examination methods including a visual field test.

Early diagnosis can lead to a much better prognosis for reducing visual loss.

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