Who is at risk from Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness. The condition can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase a person's risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Age: People over the age of 60 are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Family history: If a person has a family history of glaucoma, they are at higher risk of developing the condition.
- Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Eye health: Certain eye conditions or diseases, such as high eye pressure, thin corneas, and optic nerve abnormalities, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Medical conditions: People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, are at higher risk of developing glaucoma.
- Use of certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Other factors: Other factors that may increase the risk of developing glaucoma include a history of eye injuries or surgeries and severe nearsightedness.
It's important to note that not everyone who has one or more of these risk factors will develop glaucoma, and not everyone who develops glaucoma has one of these risk factors. Regular eye exams can help detect glaucoma early, which can improve the chances of preserving vision.