January is known as glaucoma awareness month. Because of this, the American Glaucoma Society emphasizes the importance of having a healthy optic nerve. This specific nerve must remain healthy so that you can have good eyesight. Knowing the risk factors for glaucoma can help motivate you to do your best to prevent this eye condition. Here are the details that you should consider.

A Significant Increase in Intraocular Pressure

Your eye doctor will perform an eye pressure test to determine if your intraocular pressure is within normal range. If your intraocular pressure is high, your eye doctor will recommend current treatments to reduce it. In some cases, an individual can also suffer from low-tension or normal-tension glaucoma. The eye doctor will lower the patient’s intraocular eye pressure to prevent the condition from worsening.

At Least 40 Years of Age

Primary open-angle glaucoma’s major risk factor is age. Aging leads to the deterioration of your eye’s drainage system. This can lead to a slow intraocular pressure increase. Studies show that you should have a comprehensive eye test every one-and-a-half to two years for a glaucoma screening.

Hispanic, African American, or Asian Ethnicity

Individuals of African American and Hispanic descent have a higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma. Those who are Asian have a higher risk of angle-closure glaucoma. People of Japanese descent are at risk of having low-tension glaucoma.

Nearsightedness

Research shows that primary open-angle glaucoma tends to occur more in nearsighted people. Their optic nerve may become more vulnerable to eye pressure, or their optic disc may have a different shape. These may occur even if the intraocular pressure is normal. Individuals with more cupping in their optic nerves also have a higher risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma.

Eye Surgery or Eye Injury

Any form of trauma to the eye can result in glaucoma. The trauma could come from eye surgery or eye injury. The intraocular pressure may increase right after the trauma. It may also occur sometime in the future.

High Blood Pressure and Diabetes

Primary open-angle glaucoma may occur more in people with high blood pressure and diabetes. Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels should be the primary goal of individuals with these conditions. Improving your general health can help lower your risk of developing glaucoma. Your blood pressure must be within the normal range. If blood pressure becomes too low, it can also increase your risk for this eye condition.

Thin Corneas

The cornea is the outer front layer of your eye. This dome-shaped layer allows your eyes to focus. Your eye doctor will measure the thickness of your cornea. Thin corneas can increase your intraocular pressure. This then increases your risk of developing glaucoma.

Family History of Glaucoma

Your eye doctor can determine if glaucoma runs in your family. People whose siblings or parents have glaucoma tend to develop the same eye condition. A comprehensive eye exam can confirm this. You and your family can go through this eye test. This will help your other family members get the necessary treatments.

Understanding the risk factors for glaucoma can help you prevent it or get early treatments. At Kopolow & Girisgen, we always aim to provide our patients with high-quality eye care. Visit our clinics for in-person consultation in Las Vegas and Henderson, Nevada. You can also reach us by dialing 702-452-2020 (Pearle Vision Locations) to set an appointment or inquire about our glaucoma treatment packages.