Learn the risk factors
Approximately 2.7 million Americans have the potentially blinding eye disease glaucoma, but only half are aware of it. Meanwhile, glaucoma incidence is on the rise. Researchers predict that glaucoma will affect as many as 6.3 million Americas by 2050.
The California Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (CAEPS) and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) are sharing a list of disease risk factors in recognition of January as “National Glaucoma Awareness Month.”
“It is imperative that people understand the precursors to this debilitating disease,” said Amin Ashrafzadeh, MD, CAEPS President. “If you are at risk, then getting an exam from an ophthalmologist as soon as possible can help protect you from vision loss.”
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, which links the eyes to the brain. It is most commonly associated with elevated pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. Without treatment, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss in a person’s side vision, then in his or her central vision. With early diagnosis and treatment, sight can be preserved. However, glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so it is imperative that people know the risk factors.
Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Family History: Individuals with a parent or sibling with glaucoma have a nine times higher risk of developing the disease, according to one study.
- Older Age: As people age, their risk for glaucoma increases. Both Academies recommend that adults start getting regular comprehensive eye exams at age 40. This is the age when early signs of eye disease and changes in vision may first occur, even if you have seemingly perfect vision.
- African, Hispanic or Asian Heritage: People of African and Hispanic heritage are three times more likely to have the most common form of glaucoma than Caucasians. People of Asian heritage are at an increased risk of a sudden and acute form known as angle-closure glaucoma.
- Nearsightedness: People who are nearsighted are more likely to have glaucoma. One study found that the more severe the nearsightedness, the higher the risk.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of glaucoma. The longer a person has lived with diabetes, the greater their risk becomes.
Additionally, when the cornea is abnormally thin (common among those who have had refractive surgery like LASIK or PRK), IOP readings may be falsely low. Another risk factor is a history of eye trauma.
“Many of my patients are surprised to learn that one or more of these factors put them at an increased risk,” said CAEPS member Andrew Iwach, MD, a glaucoma specialist. “Being aware of your personal risk of glaucoma is the first step to saving your sight.”
Glaucoma treatment ranges from medicated eye drops to surgeries that help reduce high IOP. This may involve procedures to help fluid drain or the insertion of small devices like shunts or stents.
People age 65 or older may be eligible for a medical eye exam at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America™, a program of the Foundation of the AAO. To see if you are eligible, visit www.eyecareamerica.org.
To learn more about glaucoma, visit www.geteyesmart.org.
