Glaucoma Risk Factors

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the United States. Because there are often few signs and symptoms of glaucoma, it is often known as the "silent thief of sight." Everyone is encouraged to undergo regular glaucoma testing as part of a comprehensive eye exam, especially if you have one or more glaucoma risk factors. Glaucoma risk factors vary depending on the type of glaucoma.

Open Angle Glaucoma Risk Factors

Open angle, sometimes called primary open angle to distinguish it from secondary glaucoma, is the most common type of glaucoma. Risk factors for open angle glaucoma include:

Race: Open angle glaucoma is about five times more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians, and often occurs earlier. Hispanic persons also have an elevated risk of glaucoma, which increases dramatically at about age 60.
Age: Glaucoma is up to six times more likely among persons over age 60.
Family History: If other members of your family have glaucoma, your risk increases 4-9 times.
Medications: Steroid use may increase the risk of open angle glaucoma by up to 40%
Medical Conditions: High blood pressure may increase risk for open angle glaucoma

Angle Closure Glaucoma

Sometimes known as acute glaucoma or narrow angle glaucoma, angle closure glaucoma can have a very sudden onset and lead to rapid vision loss. Risk factors for angle closure glaucoma include:

Eyesight: If you are farsighted, you may have a greater risk
Age: Risk of angle closure glaucoma increases with age
Race: Persons of Asian or Eskimo descent have elevated risk
Sex: Among Caucasians, women have elevated risk

Secondary Glaucoma

Secondary glaucoma is glaucoma that results from another condition. It can be either open angle or angle closure glaucoma. Some common causes of secondary glaucoma are:

Eye Injury: Both blunt and penetrating trauma to the eye can lead to secondary glaucoma.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes and cataracts can increase your risk of certain secondary glaucomas.
Race: Persons of Scandinavian descent are at risk for one type of secondary glaucoma. Caucasians generally are at risk for another type.
Sex: Fair-skinned women are at risk for a particular type of secondary glaucoma.
Medications: Some medications can contribute to the risk of either open angle or angle closure secondary glaucoma.

Protecting Your Sight

There are numerous risk factors for glaucoma, but even if you have none of the above risk factors, you may still get glaucoma. Glaucoma testing as part of regular vision exams is encouraged, especially as you age. Find an ophthalmologist in your area to be screened for glaucoma and protect yourself from permanent vision loss.