Are You at Risk for Glaucoma?

Are You At Risk For Glaucoma

Did you know that glaucoma can destroy vision before any signs or symptoms are present? Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by optic nerve damage. This damage is typically caused by abnormally high eye pressure inside the eye. Since glaucoma destroys vision gradually, many individuals with glaucoma may not notice they are experiencing vision loss until more advanced stages. This is especially common for the most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, which has no noticeable signs or symptoms aside from vision deterioration.

Understanding Glaucoma Risk Factors

Regular eye exams are the most effective way to detect glaucoma early and to prevent serious vision loss before it’s too late. January is Glaucoma Awareness Month and the Total Eyecare Team is reminding patients about the importance of scheduling regular exams to check for glaucoma. These exams are especially important if you have any of the following risk factors:

1. You are 60 years or older. Individuals age 60 and older are at the greatest risk for developing glaucoma. This risk is even higher if you’re a Mexican-American and age 60 or older.

2. You are African-American and 40 years or older. African-Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma starting at age 40 than any other ethnicity. African-Americans are also more likely to develop permanent blindness because of glaucoma. If you are African-American and aged 40 or older, yearly eye exams are absolutely critical for detecting the warning symptoms of glaucoma before permanent damage occurs.

3. You regularly use corticosteroid medications. The long-term use of corticosteroids, including eye drops, increases the risk for developing secondary glaucoma.

4. You have a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma may have a genetic link. If one or more immediate family members have been diagnosed with glaucoma, you are at increased risk.

Additional risk factors for glaucoma include severe nearsightedness, diabetes, eye surgery or injury, and high blood pressure.

Do you have a question about glaucoma risk factors? Post it below for a prompt response from our eye team. If you have not had an eye exam in the last year, contact Total Eyecare to schedule one today!