Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States and is the leading cause of blindness in Hispanics. It is a group of eye disorders, sometimes related to increased pressure inside the eye, leading to progressive damage to the optic nerve resulting in permanent vision loss. Since there is usually no symptom, many people do not become aware they have the condition until significant vision loss has occurred.
Medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. However, vision already lost to glaucoma cannot be restored. That is why an annual dilated eye examination is recommended for people at risk for glaucoma. Depending on your specific condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent examinations.
Certain factors can increase the risk for developing glaucoma, including:
- Family history of glaucoma
- Medical conditions – Some studies indicate that diabetes may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, as do high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Age – People over age 60 are at increased risk for the disease. For African Americans, the increase in risk begins after age 40.
- Race – African Americans are significantly more likely to get glaucoma than are Caucasians, and they are much more likely to suffer permanent vision loss as a result. People of Asian descent are at higher risk of certain types of glaucoma.
- Physical injuries to the eye – Severe trauma, such as being hit in the eye, can result in immediate increased eye pressure and future increases in pressure due to internal damage. Injury can also dislocate the lens, closing the drainage angle, and increasing pressure.
- Other eye-related risk factors – Eye anatomy, namely corneal thickness and optic nerve appearance indicate risk for development of glaucoma. Conditions such as retinal detachment, eye tumors, and eye inflammations may also induce glaucoma. Some studies suggest that high amounts of nearsightedness may also be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma.
- Use of steroid-containing medication
