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Glaucoma

Image of older man with glasses.

Glaucoma is characterized by increased pressure in the eye that results in damage to the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain.

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What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

  • Age (60 years and older)
  • Elevated eye pressure
  • Family history of glaucoma
  • African, Asian or Spanish ancestry
  • Farsightedness or nearsightedness
  • Past eye injuries
  • Steroid use
  • Other health problems like diabetes or migraine headaches

Your ophthalmologist, Eye M.D., will weigh all of these factors before deciding whether you need treatment. You may simply need to be monitored closely. This means your risk of developing glaucoma is higher than normal. Make sure to have regular examinations to detect the early signs of damage to the optic nerve.

Individuals of African descent or with a family history of glaucoma should have an eye examination every 3 to 5 years from ages 20 to 29, and every 2 to 4 years from ages 30 to 39.

> Assess your risk for glaucoma

Regular medical eye exams can help prevent unnecessary vision loss. The American Academy of Ophthalmology now recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40—the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Based on the results of the initial screening, an ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams.

 
Cataracts
Diabetic Retinopathy
Dry Eye
Glaucoma
Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Did You Know?

If you have trouble seeing, SmartSight can help you make the most of your remaining vision.

 


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