Glaucoma

Learn more about Glaucoma from an eye doctor in your area!

InfoCenter

March 10, 2010

Glaucoma info and access to doctors who specialize in Glaucoma!

About Glaucoma
InfoCenter

Glaucoma InfoCenter is an Internet resource that offers you information about Glaucoma. Glaucoma InfoCenter does not offer medical advice or referrals.

Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the pressure within the eye becomes elevated, if left untreated it can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. In a normal eye, aqueous fluid is constantly produced and drained from the eye at a balanced rate. The formation and drainage of aqueous fluid determines the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP). The optic nerve is relatively strong and can often withstand years of elevated eye pressure before damage occurs, however, once damage is done, it is irreversible.

Age

People who are 60-years-old, or older, have an increased risk of developing glaucoma. The aging process reduces the size of the eye’s drainage angle, resulting in increased intraocular pressure.

Family History

Several genetic factors can lead to an occurrence of glaucoma, placing those with a family history of the disease at an increased risk.

Medical Disorders

Some medical disorders, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, leukemia, sickle cell anemia and arthritis, could place the patient at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Increased risk factors are also associated with a previous history of steroid use, ocular injuries, extreme nearsightedness and even nutritional deficiencies. Glaucoma can also develop from the breakdown and flaking off of the colored material (pigment) found in the colored part of the eye.

Ethnic Background

Certain ethnic backgrounds tend to have a higher risk for glaucoma. African Americans over 40 and Mexican Americans over 60 face an increased risk when compared to Caucasians in the same age group. Among Caucasians, groups at higher risk include people with Russian, Irish and Scandinavian backgrounds.

Early Diagnosis

There are often no obvious signs of glaucoma, so you may not realize that your field of vision is decreasing. Routine eye examinations and special tests of the visual field are key in the detection and treatment of glaucoma at an early stage.