What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of conditions affecting the eyes that can lead to gradual loss of sight due to optic nerve damage. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness and can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Vision loss from glaucoma is usually slow and painless, although it can happen quickly in some cases. Often, patients don’t realize they’re losing vision until substantial damage has already been done.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Although exact causes of glaucoma can vary, the most common form of the condition is caused by elevated intraocular pressure. When pressure inside the eye is too high, it can damage the eye’s optic nerve, the pathway that sends signals from the eye to the brain. Other causes of glaucoma can include eye trauma, intraocular tumors, and certain medications. In some cases, a genetic component can be at play.

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

The biggest risk factor for glaucoma is age, so if you’re over 40 you should discuss the condition with your eye doctor. Other factors include a family history of glaucoma, a history of eye trauma, prolonged use of corticosteroids, and systemic diseases such as diabetes. People with African-American heritage are more likely to get glaucoma than individuals of other ethnicities.

In short, although there is no single cause of glaucoma, increased pressure in the eye due to age is the most frequent risk factor. If you’re feeling stressed about your eye care, schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss the possible causes of glaucoma and what you can do to protect your vision.