Medical Health Encyclopedia

Family History. Glaucoma tends to run in families.  Brothers and sisters of patients with open angle glaucoma are 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma by the time they are 70 years old than people whose siblings do not have the disease.Previous studies have also found that people with family histories of glaucoma are more likely to already have some vision loss when they are  first diagnosed with glaucoma.

Effects of Blood Pressure. The association between a person's blood pressure and intraocular pressure in the eye is not entirely clear. A number of studies have found a higher risk for glaucoma in people with high blood pressure. A 2002 study suggests, however, that people with blood pressure that is low relative to their intraocular pressure may be at higher risk for glaucoma. The same study found no higher risk for glaucoma in people with hypertension, and in fact, high blood pressure was associated with a lower risk.

Having Certain Medical Disorders. Individuals with certain medical or physical conditions, including diabetes, migraine, nearsightedness, and sleep apnea, appear to have a higher risk. Conditions that require the use of any oral or inhaled steroid, particularly high doses for prolonged periods of time, can cause glaucoma. Previous eye surgery also puts people at risk.

Risk Factors for Other Forms of Glaucoma

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Risk Factors for Closed-Angle Glaucoma. Chronic closed-angle glaucoma tends to be more common in people of Asian and African descent. Those who have this condition are often extremely farsighted. Acute closed-angle glaucoma occurs much more frequently in women than in men.

Risk Factors for Normal Tension Glaucoma. Risk factors for normal tension glaucoma include Japanese ancestry and a family history of the disease. It is more common in women than in men. A family history of cardiovascular disease also increases the risk.