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 In most cases, an abnormally high intraocular pressure within the eye causes glaucoma. Inside the eye, fluid is continuously produced and circulated to nourish the nearby tissues, remove unwanted wastes and maintain normal eye pressure. This fluid is not the same as tears, which are produced on the outside of the eye. Fluid leaves the eye through a “drain” located at an angle where the iris and cornea meet. When the fluid drains too slowly out of the eye, the intraocular pressure builds up, causing damage to the optic nerve.
Who is at risk for Glaucoma ?
Anyone can develop glaucoma.
The following factors/conditions increase your risk of glaucoma:
- Persons over age 40
- Family History
- High internal intraocular pressure (above 22 mmHg)
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Chronic eye inflammation
- Eye tumor
- Severe nearsightedness/farsightedness
- Previous eye injury
- Long-term use of corticosteroids (antiinflammatory drugs)
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