The risk of developing glaucoma is affected by a variety of factors, and nowadays we can work out the risk of developing glaucoma more precisely, for each patient. If your optometrist has identified you as being at risk, an evaluation by an Ophthalmologist may be recommended to determine your chance of conversion to glaucoma. Glaucoma may be prevented with treatment, however not everybody is treated as occasionally glaucoma drops have side-effects. Therefore, if the risk of developing glaucoma is very low (for example, less than 5% risk in 5 years), then no treatment would be offered. A risk calculator may be used, such as the one shown left, to calculate your risk of developing glaucoma. Similarly, the risk of glaucoma getting worse, or "progressing", can be estimated.
Characteristics associated with an increased risk of glaucoma
Afro-caribbean / African-Americans / West African Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. It is six to eight times more common in African-Americans than in Caucasians. Asians People of Asian descent appear to be at some risk for angle closure glaucoma. Angle closure glaucoma accounts for less than 10% of all diagnosed cases of glaucoma. Otherwise there is no known increased risk in Asian populations.
People Over 60 Glaucoma is much more common among older people. You are six times more likely to get glaucoma if you are over 60 years old. Family Members with Glaucoma The most common type of glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, may be hereditary. If members of your immediate family have glaucoma, you are at a higher risk than the rest of the population. Family history increases risk of glaucoma four to nine times. Steroid Users One study demonstrated a 40% increase in the incidence of ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma in adults who require approximately 14 to 35 puffs of steroid inhaler to control asthma. This is a very high dose, only required in cases of severe asthma. Eye Injury Injury to the eye may cause secondary open angle glaucoma. This type of glaucoma can occur immediately after the injury or years later. Blunt injuries that “bruise” the eye (called blunt trauma) or injuries that penetrate the eye can damage the eye’s drainage system, leading to traumatic glaucoma. Other Risk Factors Other possible risk factors include: • high myopia (shortsightedness) • hypertension (high blood pressure) • thin cornea
The information on our website is for educational purposes only and is not to replace a consultation with an eye care professional. The condition of each patient is unique and needs to be evaluated properly before any decision can be taken. For appointments with Mr P Galloway contact: BUPA Hospital Leeds, Jackson Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 1NT, UK. T:0113 269 3939; for Mr Burnett please click here.
