Causes
At the front of the eye, there is a small space called the anterior chamber, which lies between the lens and the cornea. Clear fluid flows in and out of the chamber to bathe and nourish nearby tissues and to keep the eye properly formed. In some cases of glaucoma, for still uncertain reasons, the fluid drains too slowly out of the eye. As the fluid builds up, the pressure inside the eye rises. Unless this pressure is controlled, it may cause damage to the optic nerve and other parts of the eye, leading to vision loss.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for glaucoma include, but are not limited to:
- Age: over 40 years old
- Race: Black or Hispanic
- Family members with glaucoma
- Having diabetes
- Having hypertension (high blood pressure)
Note: Risk factors for other forms of glaucoma may differ from these.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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