WHO'S AT RISK?

Everyone should be concerned about glaucoma and its effects. It is important for each of us, from infants to senior citizens, to have our eyes checked regularly, because early detection and treatment of glaucoma are the only way to prevent vision impairment and blindness. There are a few conditions related to this disease which tend to put some people at greater risk:

• People over the age of 45.
  While glaucoma can develop in younger patients, it occurs more frequently as we get older.

• People who have a family history of glaucoma.
  Glaucoma appears to `run´ in families. The tendency for developing glaucoma may be inherited. However, just because someone in your family has glaucoma does not mean that you will necessarily develop the disease.
• People with abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP).
  High IOP is the most important risk factor for glaucomatous damage.
• People of African descent.
  African-Americans have a greater tendency for developing primary open-angle glaucoma than do people of other races.
• People who have:
  • Diabetes
  • Myopia (nearsightedness)
  • Regular, long-term Steroid/Cortisone use
  • A previous eye injury
  • A family history of glaucoma