Glaucoma Information prev next
Feb 01 2006
What are the Risk Factors for Glaucoma?
In addition to age, studies have found that race, family history and vascular disease increase the risk of developing glaucoma.
Two large studies of glaucoma, one in Baltimore and one in Los Angelis, found that African Americans and Latinos are more prone to glaucoma than other ethnic groups.
A family history of glaucoma has also been shown to increase the likelihood of developing glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Of special importance is the higher rate of glaucoma detected in siblings with glaucoma. It has been estimated that up to 25% of people with glaucoma also have another sibling with glaucoma. This statistic urges brothers and sisters of those with glaucoma to be evaluated more regularly.
The optic nerve is nourished by blood vessels. There is strong evidence to demonstrate that systemic vascular diseases also compromise the health of the optic nerve and lead to increased risk of developing glaucoma.
