Glaucoma encompasses a group of eye conditions that can lead to partial or complete vision loss. This condition arises from damage to the optic nerve, which is crucial for transmitting signals between the eye and the brain. The specific nature of optic nerve damage varies with different types of glaucoma.
Typically, in most glaucoma cases, the optic nerve is harmed by elevated pressure resulting from fluid accumulation in the eye. This fluid buildup often occurs because the eye cannot drain properly. As pressure increases, it damages the nerve fibers in the optic nerve, leading to the formation of blind spots.
Sometimes, the exact cause of glaucoma is identifiable. For instance, traumatic injuries can impair eye function and increase pressure, resulting in secondary glaucoma, which is linked to injuries or other medical conditions. However, the reasons for elevated eye pressure and the development of glaucoma are not always clear. This includes the most common form, open-angle glaucoma, where no specific cause is known. Glaucoma without a known cause is referred to as primary glaucoma.
Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
Research suggests a genetic connection to glaucoma, indicating that having family members with glaucoma increases your risk of developing the condition. The more relatives you have with glaucoma, the higher your likelihood of experiencing it. Those who develop glaucoma at an early age are more likely to have inherited it.
Glaucoma can result from genetic mutations that affect how the eye regulates pressure or from inherited structural changes in the eye. However, much of the research relies on individuals’ knowledge of their family history, which can be incomplete since not everyone is aware of their relatives’ glaucoma conditions.
Who Gets Glaucoma?
While glaucoma can affect anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this condition:
- Age: The risk of glaucoma increases with age, particularly for those over 40.
- Sex: Individuals assigned male at birth are more prone to open-angle glaucoma, while those assigned female at birth are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma, which occurs when a bulging iris obstructs fluid drainage. Since females generally have a longer lifespan, older females may experience higher rates of glaucoma compared to older males.
- Ethnicity: People who identify as Hispanic, Latino, African, African American, or Asian have a higher propensity for developing glaucoma.
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing glaucoma. If multiple risk factors apply to you, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider about your individual risk.
- Frailty: Frailty involves a rapid decline in physical and cognitive functions. Although often associated with aging, frailty can occur at a younger age, especially due to chronic diseases. Being frail at a younger age can make you more susceptible to glaucoma.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can result in secondary glaucoma, known as traumatic glaucoma, by causing a buildup of pressure within the eye.
When engaging in construction work, home repairs, or sports, it is crucial to wear protective eyewear. Protective glasses and goggles are available from your eye care provider, home improvement stores, or sporting goods stores.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Individuals with hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension (high blood pressure) may be at increased risk for specific types of glaucoma.
For instance, people with hypertension are more susceptible to open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, characterized by pressure buildup in the eye. Conversely, those with hypotension or an irregular heartbeat may be at risk for normal-tension glaucoma, a form of open-angle glaucoma that occurs in individuals with normal eye pressure. Additionally, poor blood circulation can also increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Eye Conditions
Several eye conditions can increase your risk of developing glaucoma. You may be more vulnerable if you:
- Are farsighted (have difficulty seeing near objects clearly) or nearsighted (have difficulty seeing distant objects clearly).
- Have a thin cornea or optic nerve.
- Have pigmentary dispersion syndrome, where pigment falls off the back of your iris and obstructs eye fluid drainage.
- Have pseudoexfoliation syndrome, where flaky materials accumulate in the eye and block eye fluid drainage.
- Have uveitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling in the eye.
Glaucoma and Related Risk Factors
Glaucoma is a chronic eye condition that can lead to vision loss, primarily due to damage to the optic nerve caused by pressure and fluid buildup within the eye.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are at increased risk for developing open-angle glaucoma or neovascular glaucoma. Proper management of diabetes with guidance from healthcare providers is crucial to reduce this risk.
Migraine
There appears to be a vascular connection between migraine and neovascular glaucoma, particularly among individuals aged 70-79. Further research is needed to understand the link with open-angle glaucoma.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
OSA, a sleep disorder involving interrupted breathing due to airway blockage, is associated with a higher likelihood of developing glaucoma. Those with OSA and glaucoma may also experience more severe symptoms.
Medications
Certain medications, such as calcium-channel or alpha-blocker drugs used for conditions like Raynaud’s syndrome or hypertension, as well as long-term steroid use, have been linked to an increased risk of primary open-angle glaucoma.
Smoking
While the direct impact of smoking on glaucoma risk remains uncertain, research suggests it may accelerate the onset of glaucoma in genetically predisposed individuals, particularly among men.
Glaucoma can manifest in various forms, with primary cases having unknown causes and secondary cases attributable to specific factors like injuries. If you have concerns about your risk factors for glaucoma, consult with an eye care specialist to discuss your individual situation.
