Risk Factors for Glaucoma: What You Need to Know

Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which is the vital link between the eye as well as the brain. The damages are often caused by elevated pressure in the eye area. If left untreated via glaucoma surgery or other similar treatment methods, it can lead to blindness. 

For reference, it should be noted that it is one of the leading causes of blindness for individuals who are over 60 and Asia accounts for about 60% of the world’s glaucoma cases. Putting the said factor into consideration, understanding the risk factors of the said condition is essential for those who want to prevent the development of the said disease. 

If you need help with regard to this matter, you come to the right place. This write-up delves into the risk factors for glaucoma. Read on for details. 

Age

Age is arguably the most significant risk factor for glaucoma. The risk of developing the said condition increases if you reach age 40. In line with this, it should be noted that for certain types of glaucoma e.g. open-angle glaucoma, the risk becomes higher. This is because of the fact that the natural aging process, which may affect the, say, drainage system of the eye, can lead to inappropriately high intraocular (inside the eye) pressure.

Family history 

Genetics plays an important role in the development of glaucoma. For instance, if your family has a history of the said condition, you may also be at risk of developing it. In line with this, it should be noted that the risk is particularly higher if you have a direct family member, like a parent or sibling, that has already been diagnosed with the said condition. If this is the case, it is best if you regularly pay a visit to a glaucoma specialist in Singapore. 

Medical conditions

Medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, sickle cell anemia, heart disease, and other conditions can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. How? You ask. Well, the said conditions can have a negative effect on blood flow to your optic nerve. Consequently, this can contribute to inappropriately high intraocular pressure that is often associated with glaucoma. 

Eye conditions and injuries

Physical injury to the eye can put you at risk of glaucoma. The long list of injuries include, but are not limited to, a pierced eye, bruised eye, and severe eye infections, among others. In addition to them, conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), thin corneas, etc. can also boost your risk of glaucoma.

Ethnicity 

Ethnic background is another glaucoma risk factor. People of Asian, African, and Hispanic descent have a slightly higher risk of developing glaucoma compared to those with European descent. African Americans are also at risk and are more prone to develop the said condition at a young age. Furthermore, they are more likely to go blind due to the said condition.

It can be said that the reasons for the said differences may include factors that concern genetics, anatomical differences, and vulnerability to other risk factors. 

Medications

Prolonged use of drugs such as corticosteroid medications, particularly eye drops for certain eye conditions, is linked by many studies to secondary glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can be developed with extended use of steroids, which may inappropriately increase eye pressure. With this in mind, it is important to visit a glaucoma specialist in Singapore once eye conditions arise. That said, self-medicating should never be an option. 

Lifestyle factors

An unhealthy lifestyle can also increase your risk of developing glaucoma. Lack of physical activity, a high sodium diet, and smoking are associated with improper eye pressure or other ailments that may elevate glaucoma risk. Contrarily, regular moderate physical activity is known to cut down the risk of intraocular pressure, thereby potentially reducing the risk of glaucoma. 

Summing up 

In the end, it can be said that understanding as well as recognizing risk factors for glaucoma are critical when it comes to preventing this potentially blinding condition. Also, while age, family history, etc., cannot be changed, bear in mind that awareness together with regular checkups to a glaucoma doctor in Singapore can prevent the progression of the said condition. This will allow you to preserve your vision and enjoy optimal eye health as you age.