The risk factors for glaucoma depend upon the type of glaucoma. Below is a list of risk factors, according to the National Glaucoma Research Program.
Open Angle Glaucoma
Strong Risk Factors
• High eye pressure
• Family history of glaucoma
• Age 40 and older for African Americans
• Age 60 and older for the general population, especially Mexican Americans
• Thin cornea
• Suspicious optic nerve appearance with increased cupping (the size of cup and space at the center of the optic nerve is larger than normal)
Potential Risk Factors
• High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)
• Diabetes
• Eye surgery or injury
• High blood pressure
• Use of corticosteroids (e.g. eye drops, pills, inhalers and creams)
Normal Tension Glaucoma
Risk Factors
• Cardiovascular disease
• Family history
• Low eye pressure
• Japanese ethnicity
Angle Closure Glaucoma
Risk Factors
• Age
• Family history
• Poor short-distance vision (farsightedness)
• Eye injury or eye surgery
• East Asian and Inuit ethnicity
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