What are the risk factors?

Studies have determined that the greatest factor is increased pressure inside of the eye. This is considered only a risk factor and not absolute cause. The reason is that not everyone with increased pressures will go on to develop glaucoma. A certain level of pressure can be normal for one person but too high for another. Glaucoma results ONLY if the optic nerve is damaged.

Other known risk factors include: A positive family history for glaucoma, all persons over the age of 60, especially those who are Hispanic, and African Americans over the age of 40. Recent studies also suggest that a higher degree of nearsightedness, diabetes, a history of migraine headaches, and thinner than normal corneal thickness, may contribute to the development of glaucoma.

Risk Categories:

• Age – Glaucoma becomes more prevalent with increased age. Most glaucoma cases develop after age 60. Note that glaucoma can occur at any age.

• Family History – If your parents or grand parents have glaucoma, there is a higher chance that you will have glaucoma. Also, if your mother has glaucoma, the incidence is higher than if your father were to have glaucoma.

• Race – Hispanic and African-Americans are more suspect to develop glaucoma more commonly than other races. The disease is often more progressive in Hispanic and African-Americans as well.

• Associated disease – Glaucoma is more common in patients with diabetes. High blood pressure is not considered a risk factor for glaucoma.