Am I at Risk for Glaucoma? Factors to Watch For

September is recognized as Healthy Aging Month, making it the perfect time to focus on protecting your long-term vision health. One of the most common threats to healthy eyes as we age is glaucoma. Understanding the condition and knowing the risk factors can help you take steps to safeguard your eyesight.
 

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve - the crucial link between your eye and brain. Most commonly, this damage is caused by an increase in eye pressure (intraocular pressure), though not all cases of glaucoma are pressure-related. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness.
 

The Hidden Dangers of Glaucoma

What makes glaucoma so dangerous is its lack of noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Vision loss typically begins at the edges of your visual field, which many people don’t notice until it advances. By the time symptoms like blurry vision, halos, or tunnel vision appear, the disease may already be in a severe stage. That’s why early detection is vital.
 

Risk Factors for Glaucoma

While anyone can develop glaucoma, some people are at higher risk. Key risk factors include:
 

•          Age - Risk increases after age 40, with a higher prevalence after 60.

•          Family history - Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma raises your risk.

•          Race and ethnicity - African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and Asians have higher risks for certain types of glaucoma.

•          Eye pressure - Elevated intraocular pressure is a leading cause of optic nerve damage.

•          Medical conditions - Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease may contribute to higher risk.

•          Eye conditions or injuries - Severe myopia (nearsightedness), thin corneas, or past eye trauma can increase susceptibility.

•          Long-term corticosteroid use - Prolonged use of steroid medications may elevate risk.
 

The Importance of Routine Eye Exams

Since glaucoma often develops without warning, routine eye exams are the best way to detect it early. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check for:
 

•          Intraocular pressure (tonometry)

•          Optic nerve health (ophthalmoscopy)

•          Corneal thickness (pachymetry)

•          Visual field testing to detect peripheral vision loss

•          Imaging of the optic nerve and retina for subtle changes
 

By monitoring these factors, your doctor can catch glaucoma in its earliest stages, before noticeable vision loss occurs, and recommend treatments to slow or prevent progression.
 

What You Can Do to Protect Your Eyes

While some risk factors for glaucoma, such as age or family history, are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to help protect your eyes and preserve your vision:
 

•          Know your family history - If glaucoma runs in your family, let your eye doctor know so they can monitor your eyes more closely.

•          Maintain a healthy lifestyle - Managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease reduces your overall risk.

•          Exercise regularly - Moderate exercise, such as walking, may help lower eye pressure and support healthy blood flow to the optic nerve.

•          Protect your eyes from injury - Use protective eyewear during sports or activities where eye trauma could occur.

•          Take prescribed treatments seriously - If you are diagnosed with glaucoma, follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when using eye drops or other treatments. Consistency is key to slowing the disease.
 

By being proactive, you can reduce your risk of vision loss and support lifelong eye health.
 

Stay Ahead of Glaucoma at Quick Vision

Glaucoma may be a hidden threat, but with awareness and proactive care, it doesn’t have to steal your sight. Understanding your personal risk factors and scheduling regular eye exams can make all the difference in preserving your vision for years to come.
 

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Quick Vision and safeguard your vision against glaucoma. Visit our office in Vincennes, Indiana, or call (812) 255-0559 to book an appointment today.