Causes and Risk Factors of Glaucoma
What Causes Glaucoma?
Glaucoma usually develops when pressure builds up inside the eye, harming the optic nerve over time. Not everyone with high eye pressure gets glaucoma, and some develop it with normal pressures, so diagnosis and regular care are important.
Clear fluid called aqueous humor flows within the front of your eye. When this fluid builds up due to overproduction or poor drainage, eye pressure rises and slowly damages the optic nerve, which is responsible for sending visual messages to the brain.
The main drainage system in the eye, the trabecular meshwork, can become blocked or work less efficiently as we age or if injury occurs. When fluid doesn’t drain properly, pressure increases within the eye.
- Aging changes that cause stiffness and clogging
- Inflammation due to injury or infection
- Scarring from past surgeries or trauma
- Structural problems with the drainage angle, which are more common in angle-closure glaucoma
Some people develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure is normal. This form can be due to sensitive optic nerve tissue or reduced blood flow, requiring careful monitoring and specialized treatment plans.
Glaucoma can also result from other conditions or medications that affect eye pressure or damage the optic nerve.
- Severe eye trauma
- Inflammatory diseases such as uveitis
- Long-term steroid medication use
- Advanced cataracts, tumors, or blood vessel problems related to diabetes
Who Is At Risk for Glaucoma?
Understanding your risk helps you protect your sight through regular exams at ReFocus Eye Health North Wales. Some risks cannot be changed, but early detection can prevent vision loss.
The chance of developing glaucoma rises as you get older, especially after age 60. Aging is linked to less efficient fluid drainage and more fragile nerve tissue.
Glaucoma often runs in families. If a close relative has glaucoma, your risk is higher because genetic factors affect eye pressure and nerve health.
Certain ethnic groups have a greater risk or tend to develop different types of glaucoma.
- People of African descent may get glaucoma at a younger age and have more severe disease
- Hispanic individuals show increasing rates of open-angle glaucoma as they age
- People of Asian descent are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma
Systemic health problems can make glaucoma more likely by affecting blood flow or pressure inside the eye.
- Diabetes can damage blood vessels, including those in the eyes
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Sleep apnea, which may reduce oxygen levels and harm the optic nerve
Past injuries or surgery to the eye can disturb fluid pathways and lead to increased pressure, even years later.
Long-term use of steroids, whether in eye drops, pills, inhalers, or injections, can increase eye pressure in some people. Our eye doctors monitor patients carefully during steroid treatment.
Severe nearsightedness (high myopia) can stretch the eye and optic nerve, making it more vulnerable to damage. A thin central cornea may also signal greater glaucoma risk and can affect the accuracy of eye pressure measurements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common glaucoma questions from patients in North Wales and across the Greater Philadelphia Region.
No, high eye pressure is a major risk factor, but not everyone with it develops glaucoma. Glaucoma is diagnosed by checking the optic nerve and vision for signs of damage, not just measuring eye pressure alone.
Open-angle glaucoma, the most common type, usually has no symptoms early on. The first signs are often subtle changes in peripheral (side) vision, which can gradually become more noticeable.
Our eye doctors use several tests to diagnose glaucoma:
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
- Examination of the drainage angle (gonioscopy)
- Optic nerve evaluation (ophthalmoscopy)
- Peripheral vision testing (visual field analysis)
- Imaging the optic nerve fibers with advanced technology like OCT
There are several types, each with different causes and symptoms:
- Open-angle glaucoma (chronic, most common)
- Angle-closure glaucoma (sudden onset, medical emergency)
- Normal-tension glaucoma (optic nerve damage despite normal pressure)
- Secondary glaucoma (from other diseases, injury, or medications)
- Congenital glaucoma (rare, present at birth)
Treatment is focused on lowering eye pressure and protecting vision. Available options at ReFocus Eye Health North Wales include:
- Prescription eye drops to reduce fluid production or improve drainage
- Laser procedures to help fluid drain better
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries for mild to moderate cases
- Traditional filtering surgery for advanced situations
There is no known way to prevent all cases of glaucoma, but regular comprehensive eye exams can catch the condition early so treatment can slow or prevent vision loss.
Yes, family history is a strong risk factor. If you have a close relative with glaucoma, early and regular eye exams are important, especially in communities like North Wales or the Greater Philadelphia Region.
Lifestyle modifications like regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and protecting your eyes from injury can support overall eye health and complement prescribed treatments.
Yes, glaucoma can affect children, although it is rare. Congenital forms are present at birth, and other types may develop later. Early screening and intervention are crucial for preserving vision.
If untreated, glaucoma causes progressive vision loss and may lead to blindness. However, with early diagnosis and consistent care at ReFocus Eye Health North Wales, most people can protect their sight.
Your Eye Health Matters
Glaucoma is a serious but manageable condition. With regular exams and expert care from our team at ReFocus Eye Health North Wales, you can take steps to protect your sight and enjoy a lifetime of healthy vision. If you have questions or are concerned about your risk, schedule a visit and let us guide you on your journey to better eye health.
Dr. Barouh is a great doc. Kind and caring. Would recommend her to anyone. If I could give more than five stars I would.
Terry Jones
Dr. Martinez and team were 2nd to none. Very thorough, articulate and explained everything very well to me. Highly recommend Dr Martinez.
Francis Wynne
Super job by Dr. Martinez and the entire team. Highly recommend. Thank you for your care.
Bill Hyndman
Dr. Frank Clark and his team provide excellent eye care. I have been a patient for over 30 years. I am very grateful to him.
Joseph Coffey
Dr. Martinez was very thorough. Appreciated her detailed explanation of my eyes. Also, office accommodated me same day.
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