Understanding the causes and risk factors of glaucoma is essential for protecting your vision. Dr. Smith and Dr. Johnson at our clinic provide tailored screenings and evaluations to detect this 'silent thief of sight' before significant damage occurs.
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that damages your optic nerve, often without any warning signs. This damage is usually caused by high pressure inside your eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. Our eye doctor emphasizes that early detection is the single most important step you can take to protect your sight, especially for high-risk individuals.
Glaucoma is not just one disease but a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve in different ways.
Knowing the type of glaucoma helps our eye doctor create the best treatment plan for you.
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause progressive damage to the optic nerve, the vital link that sends visual information from your eye to your brain. As this nerve deteriorates, you begin to develop blind spots in your field of vision. This process is gradual and often goes completely unnoticed by the patient in its early stages.
This nerve damage is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, which our eye doctor refers to as intraocular pressure or IOP. This pressure builds when the fluid inside your eye, called aqueous humor, does not drain properly. Think of it like a sink with a clogged drain, causing pressure to build up and damage delicate structures. It is important to note that glaucoma can occur even with normal IOP (normal-tension glaucoma).
The most common form of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, is known as the “silent thief of sight” for a good reason. It slowly reduces your peripheral (side) vision first, a change that your brain is very good at compensating for. Patients typically do not notice any changes until the damage is significant and has moved toward their central vision.
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, highlighting the critical need for awareness and screening. By the year 2020, this condition already affected nearly 80 million people across the globe. Our glaucoma specialist stresses that with early detection and treatment, we can manage the condition and prevent severe vision loss.
The risk for developing most types of glaucoma increases significantly as you get older, especially for those over the age of 40. For some groups, the risk begins even earlier. Our eye doctor recommends that everyone understand their age-related risk and commit to regular eye health examinations as they grow older.
A family history of glaucoma is one of the strongest risk factors. If a direct relative like a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your own risk increases substantially. For siblings of glaucoma patients, the risk can be nearly 10 times higher than the general population, making family discussions about eye health incredibly important.
Elevated intraocular pressure is the primary risk factor for optic nerve damage. While not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, it is a critical warning sign that our team monitors closely. Regular pressure checks are a simple and painless part of a comprehensive eye exam at our office.
Certain systemic health conditions can increase your risk for glaucoma. Our glaucoma specialist pays close attention to patients with diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), migraines, and sickle cell anemia. Managing these conditions effectively is not only important for your overall health but also for protecting your vision.
The unique anatomy of your eye can place you at higher risk. Having corneas that are thin in the center is a known risk factor for open-angle glaucoma. Being extremely nearsighted (high myopia) or farsighted (hyperopia) can also increase your risk for different types of the disease, as can having narrow drainage angles.
Trauma to the eye, even if it occurred many years ago, can lead to a form of the disease called secondary glaucoma. Certain types of eye surgery can also elevate your risk. It is crucial to share your full medical and eye history with our eye doctor so we can accurately assess your individual risk profile.
Taking corticosteroid medications for long periods, particularly in the form of eye drops but also oral or inhaled steroids, can cause eye pressure to increase. This steroid-induced pressure rise can lead to glaucoma in susceptible individuals. If you use steroids, regular monitoring by our eye doctor is essential for your safety.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness among African Americans. The impact is severe and widespread, making awareness and proactive screening a public health priority for the community. Our office is committed to providing the education and care needed to combat these statistics and protect sight.
Our African American patients need to be aware that their risk is significantly higher. Research shows that African Americans are five times more likely to develop glaucoma than non-Hispanic whites. This stark difference underscores why standard screening recommendations may not be sufficient for this population group.
Not only is the disease more common, but it is also more aggressive. African Americans are six times more likely to experience blindness as a result of glaucoma. This is often due to a combination of factors, including later diagnosis, more rapid progression of the disease, and other underlying health disparities.
The disease often appears about 10 years earlier in African Americans compared to other ethnic groups. Furthermore, studies like the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES) have found that the disease can progress more rapidly, leading to quicker deterioration of the visual field if not treated aggressively.
Family history elevates glaucoma risk for everyone, but the effect is more pronounced in this community. An African American individual with a sibling who has glaucoma has approximately a 20% risk of developing the disease themselves. This is double the 10% risk seen in siblings of European descent with glaucoma.
Specific genetic factors may help explain this increased risk. Research, such as the ongoing POAAGG study, is investigating genetic links in African American populations. Mutations in genes like the myocilin gene have been associated with a higher risk of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) in this group.
Research has identified physical differences in eye anatomy that may contribute to higher glaucoma risk. Studies have found that individuals of African descent often have thinner corneas and larger optic nerves. Thinner corneas are a well-established independent risk factor for the development of glaucoma across all populations.
Tragically, about half of all African Americans who have glaucoma are not aware they have the condition. This lack of awareness means that diagnosis often happens at a more advanced stage, when significant and irreversible vision loss has already occurred. This makes outreach and education incredibly urgent.
Given the higher risks, earlier onset, and faster progression, our glaucoma specialist strongly recommends that African Americans begin regular glaucoma screenings starting at age 35. These comprehensive exams should be performed every one to two years to ensure the earliest possible detection and treatment.
These findings are supported by major studies including the Baltimore Eye Survey (1991), which first established the higher prevalence in African Americans, and the African Descent and Glaucoma Evaluation Study (ADAGES), which confirmed faster disease progression and identified anatomical risk factors like thinner corneas.
Open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness for Hispanics and Latinos over the age of 40. As the fastest-growing minority group in the U.S., the impact of glaucoma on this community is a significant and growing public health concern that requires focused attention and culturally competent care from our office.
A staggering 75% of Hispanics with glaucoma may be undiagnosed, according to the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). This means a vast majority are unaware of their condition until vision loss becomes severe. Language, insurance, and cultural barriers often contribute to this dangerous gap in diagnosis and care.
Similar to other groups, age over 60 and a family history of glaucoma are major risk factors. Additionally, conditions that are more prevalent in the Hispanic community, such as diabetes and hypertension, are also important contributors to glaucoma risk. High myopia, or severe nearsightedness, is another key factor.
The LALES study identified a strong and complex link between blood pressure and glaucoma risk in Latinos. Interestingly, the study found that both high blood pressure and very low blood pressure levels were associated with an increased risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, highlighting the importance of managed cardiovascular health.
Socioeconomic factors like lower rates of insurance coverage and educational gaps can prevent timely eye care. Research shows that only 40% of Hispanic individuals with a vision concern sought medical attention in the past year, leading to later diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and ultimately, worse vision outcomes.
By the year 2050, it is projected that the largest demographic group affected by open-angle glaucoma in the U.S. will be Hispanic men. This represents a major demographic shift from the current prevalence, which is highest in non-Hispanic white women. This projection underscores the urgent need for increased screening in this community.
Due to the high prevalence and the alarming rate of undiagnosed cases, our eye doctor recommends that all Hispanic and Latino patients over the age of 40 have a complete, dilated eye exam every one to two years. Early detection is the key to preventing the projected rise in blindness in this community.
Key findings about the Hispanic community come from pivotal studies like the Proyecto VER study in Arizona and the Los Angeles Latino Eye Study (LALES). LALES, which involved over 6,300 Latinos, found a glaucoma prevalence of nearly 5%, a rate comparable to that seen in African Americans.
Currently, non-Hispanic whites represent the largest number of people with glaucoma in the U.S., with over 2.7 million affected. The prevalence is estimated to be around 2 to 3 percent for those over age 40, with the highest rates currently found in women between the ages of 70 and 79.
For our Caucasian patients, age remains the single most significant risk factor, with risk increasing steeply after the age of 60. Other important factors our eye doctor considers include a family history of the disease, high myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas, and systemic health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
While open-angle glaucoma is most common in other groups, our patients of Asian descent have a much higher prevalence of a different type called angle-closure glaucoma (ACG). This form can cause a sudden and painful increase in eye pressure, representing a medical emergency that requires immediate attention from an eye doctor.
This higher risk of angle-closure is linked to anatomical differences in the eye. Many people of East and Southeast Asian descent have a shallower anterior chamber and narrower drainage angles. These physical characteristics make it more likely for the drainage system to become blocked, leading to a rapid spike in eye pressure.
While risk profiles and common glaucoma types vary by ethnicity, the core message from our glaucoma specialist is the same for everyone. All adults benefit from regular, comprehensive eye exams, especially after age 40. This allows our doctor to detect any type of glaucoma early and preserve your precious sight.
Secondary glaucoma is a form of the disease that develops as a direct result of another medical condition, eye injury, or medication. Unlike primary glaucoma, where the cause is often unknown, here our eye doctor can identify a specific underlying reason for the increase in eye pressure and subsequent optic nerve damage.
A significant injury to the eye, whether from an impact or a penetrating object, can damage the eye's internal drainage system. This damage can cause an immediate increase in pressure or lead to scarring that causes glaucoma months or even years later. It is a key reason to protect your eyes from injury.
Chronic inflammation inside the eye, a condition called uveitis, can lead to scarring and blockage of the drainage channels, causing uveitic glaucoma. This is often associated with systemic autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis. Our doctor must treat both the inflammation and the eye pressure.
Protect your vision by scheduling regular eye exams with our glaucoma specialists, Dr. Smith and Dr. Johnson. They are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t wait—contact us today to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your sight remains sharp!
Prolonged use of steroid medications is a well-known cause of high eye pressure in certain individuals, known as "steroid responders." This can happen with steroid eye drops, pills, inhalers, or even skin creams. If you are on long-term steroid therapy, our eye doctor must monitor your eye pressure closely.
This is a severe form of secondary glaucoma often caused by advanced diabetic retinopathy or a retinal vein occlusion. These conditions can cause abnormal, fragile blood vessels to grow and block the eye's drainage angle. Neovascular glaucoma is very aggressive and difficult to manage, making control of diabetes essential.
Some conditions cause material to build up and clog the eye's drainage system. In pigmentary glaucoma, pigment from the iris flakes off and creates a blockage. In pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, a flaky, dandruff-like material deposits in the angle, obstructing fluid outflow and raising pressure.
An advanced, swollen cataract can push the iris forward and physically close off the drainage angle (phacomorphic glaucoma). Glaucoma can also develop as a complication following other types of eye surgery, often due to inflammation or structural changes within the eye. If you have a history of eye injuries or surgeries, it is very important to share that with our eye doctors, as this background could shape your ongoing risk profile.
Diagnosing glaucoma requires more than a simple air puff test. Our eye doctor performs a comprehensive, dilated eye exam to carefully evaluate your overall eye health. This complete assessment is the only way to detect the subtle, early signs of optic nerve damage before you experience any vision loss.
Measuring your intraocular pressure (IOP) is a critical part of a glaucoma evaluation. While high IOP is a key risk factor, it does not solely define the disease. Some people have glaucoma with normal pressure. Our doctor uses this measurement as one important piece of the diagnostic puzzle.
During a dilated exam, our doctor uses specialized lenses to look directly at your optic nerve. We look for signs of damage, such as changes in its color, shape, or the appearance of the nerve fiber layer. Advanced imaging tests like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provide incredibly detailed, microscopic views of the nerve.
A visual field test, also known as perimetry, is an essential tool for detecting and monitoring glaucoma. This test maps your peripheral vision to find any blind spots you may not be aware of. It is a crucial way for our glaucoma specialist to determine if the disease is present or progressing.
Our doctor will use tests like gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle where fluid leaves the eye, which is critical for diagnosing angle-closure glaucoma. We also use pachymetry to measure the thickness of your cornea, as corneal thickness can influence the accuracy of pressure readings and is an independent risk factor.
Glaucoma requires ongoing care to protect your vision over time. Your doctor will track the health of your optic nerve and vision through:
For most patients, the first line of treatment is prescription eye drops. These medications work by either helping the eye drain fluid more effectively or by reducing the amount of fluid the eye produces. Consistent, daily use of these drops as prescribed by our eye doctor is crucial for controlling your eye pressure.
Our office offers advanced laser treatments as an effective alternative or addition to eye drops. Procedures like Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) can improve the eye's natural drainage system to lower pressure. For angle-closure glaucoma, a Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI) creates a new path for fluid to flow.
In recent years, minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries, or MIGS, have become an important option for many patients. These procedures use tiny devices or specialized techniques to improve fluid drainage with less risk and faster recovery than traditional surgeries. MIGS can be performed alone or alongside cataract surgery and often helps reduce the need for multiple eye drops.
When medications and laser therapy are not enough to control the eye pressure, our glaucoma surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure such as traditional trabeculectomy.
For secondary glaucoma, our treatment plan is twofold. Our specialist focuses on lowering your eye pressure to protect the optic nerve while also addressing the underlying cause. This may involve coordinating with your primary care physician to manage diabetes or discontinuing a medication that is causing the issue.
Glaucoma is a chronic condition that requires lifelong monitoring. Our entire team is dedicated to partnering with you for the long term. We will schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor your eye pressure, optic nerve health, and visual field to ensure your treatment remains effective and your vision is protected.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for glaucoma, and any vision loss caused by optic nerve damage is permanent and cannot be reversed. However, with early diagnosis and consistent treatment from our eye doctor, we can slow or halt the progression of the disease and prevent further, significant vision loss.
If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss. It typically starts with peripheral vision loss and can progress to tunnel vision and eventual blindness. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving vision.
Yes, glaucoma can happen even if your eye pressure is normal. This type is called normal-tension glaucoma, where the optic nerve gets damaged despite normal eye pressure. That's why it's important to have regular eye exams, glaucoma can progress without noticeable symptoms.
The most common type, primary open-angle glaucoma, is completely painless in its early and intermediate stages. Pain is not a reliable indicator. However, a sudden, severe form called acute angle-closure glaucoma is accompanied by intense eye pain, headache, nausea, and blurred vision, and is a medical emergency.
No. Having risk factors means your likelihood of developing glaucoma is higher than average, but it is not a certainty. This is why regular monitoring by our eye doctor is so important. Knowing your risks allows us to create a personalized screening schedule to catch any potential issues as early as possible.
Glaucoma often doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular eye exams are so important. As the disease progresses, you might notice:
This depends on your specific risk profile. For low-risk individuals, we may recommend a baseline exam at age 40. For high-risk groups, such as African Americans, we recommend starting at age 35. Our glaucoma specialist will provide a specific screening schedule tailored to your personal and family health history.
While you cannot change primary risk factors like age, race, and genetics, a healthy lifestyle can help. Managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure is critical. Regular, moderate exercise may help lower eye pressure, but you should discuss your exercise plan with our eye doctor first.
Protect your vision by scheduling regular eye exams with our glaucoma specialists, Dr. Smith and Dr. Johnson. They are dedicated to providing personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Don’t wait—contact us today to ensure your eyes stay healthy and your sight remains sharp!
Learn about the causes and risk factors of glaucoma. Regular eye exams with top optometrists can help catch this condition early to protect your vision.
