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January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Are You At Risk for Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is the name for a group of eye diseases that develop when increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the nerve fibers in the optic nerve and retina. This damage can lead to irreversible vision loss.

The good news is if glaucoma is detected and treated early, its progression can be slowed or stopped. But the bad news is that people with glaucoma don’t always show symptoms. That’s why it’s important to know if you’re at risk.

More than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase. Anyone can get glaucoma, but if you fall into one or more of the risk categories listed below, it’s particularly important to receive a comprehensive eye exam that includes dilating your pupils every year:

  • Advanced Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop glaucoma.

  • Ethnicity: Glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more prevalent in African Americans, Asian-Americans, and Hispanics than in other ethnic groups. 

  • Family History: The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, is known to be hereditary. Doctors estimate people with a sibling who has glaucoma have almost 10 times the increased risk of developing it themselves.

  • High Intraocular Pressure: Those with abnormally high pressure within the eye are at higher risk for glaucoma.

  • Steroid Use: The extended use of corticosteroids (steroids) may raise your risk of getting glaucoma, as the medication may increase intraocular pressure (IOP).

  • Eye Injuries: Blunt trauma to the eye can cause traumatic glaucoma, and those who have suffered an eye injury are potentially at risk for developing secondary open-angle glaucoma.

  • Diabetes: Having diabetes can increase your risk of glaucoma.

Even if you don’t fall into any of these categories, it’s important to have an annual eye exam. When you do, make sure you notify your doctor of your higher risk for glaucoma in person or by filling out pre-exam paperwork.

For information about glaucoma and its risk factors, visit here. 

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Useful links:

  1. All Seeing Eyes AETNA Wellness
  2. The Eyes Have It: Protect Them with Routine Eye Exams - Connect Community - BCBSIL
  3. Glaucoma - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
  4. The Relationship Between Diabetes And Glaucoma - Glaucoma Research Foundation
  5. Dry Eyes And Glaucoma: Double Trouble - Glaucoma Research Foundation
  6. How High Blood Pressure Can Lead to Vision Loss | American Heart Association