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Eye Library / Risk Evaluations / Glaucoma Risk

Glaucoma is an eye disorder often associated with increased intraocular pressure which can damage destroys the nerve cells in the retina and optic nerve of the eye. It is one of the leading cause of blindness in the developed countries.

Glaucoma is not curable and vision lost cannot be regained. With medication and/or surgery, it is possible to halt further loss of vision.

Are you at risk for Glaucoma?

People with a family history of glaucoma have about a six percent chance of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma is much more common among older people. You are six times more likely to get glaucoma if you are over 60 years old. Diabetics and those of African descent are three times more likely to develop primary open angle glaucoma. Higher age, thinner corneal thickness, and myopia are also risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma.

You may be at a higher risk of developing glaucoma if you:


• Have a family history of glaucoma
• Have been told you have high eye pressure
• Are older than 60 years
• Are very near-sighted
• Have suffered eye injury
• Had previous eye surgery
• Have diabetes, migraine or sleep apnea
• Use steroid medications
• Practice weightlifting

If you have any two or more of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment with ophthalmologist for an exam. The ophthalmologist will tell you examine your eye and measure your intraocular pressure.