Risk factors of Glaucoma

Elevated intraocular pressure (above 21 mmHg). High intraocular pressure is one of the most important risk factors for developing glaucoma, and lowering it is currently the only treatment with proven efficacy to slow disease progression. However, having high pressure does not necessarily mean having glaucoma, as not all patients with elevated pressure will develop the disease.

Age over 60 years. Age is also a major risk factor. The prevalence of glaucoma approximately doubles with each decade after the age of 40. Age-related changes in ocular tissues may play an important role in increasing susceptibility to the disease.

Myopia. Patients with myopia have up to three times higher risk. In addition, the increasing prevalence of high myopia (greater than -6 diopters) is expected to contribute to a higher number of glaucoma cases.

Thin corneas. Patients with a thinner cornea (the transparent layer of the eye) are at higher risk.

Family history. Having a family history increases the risk fourfold, and up to 8–10 times if first-degree relatives (parent or sibling) are affected.

Ethnicity. Individuals of African or Afro-Caribbean descent have up to six times higher risk of developing glaucoma.

Circulatory alterations. Certain vascular factors, such as low blood pressure, uncontrolled hypertension, migraines, or sleep apnea, are associated with some types of glaucoma.