3
There are many different factors that can cause glaucoma. A
common characteristic of all, is the rise of pressure within the eye in
higher levels than the optic nerve can withstand. These limits are not
the same for everyone, resulting in intraocular pressure being normal
for one person and causing damage to another.
Everyone above the age of 40 should be checked for glaucoma
once a year
at least with an eye pressure measurement and an
examination of the optic nerve.
Intraocular pressure is independent of arterial body pressure so
that someone with high blood pressure can have normal intraocular
pressure and vice versa. In general though, people with health
problems like diabetes, hypertension and hypothyroidism may
have predisposition for glaucoma. Also, chronic intake of cortisone
in whatever form (tablets, drops or even inhalers for asthma) may
cause an increase in intraocular pressure.
There is a strong inheritance factor for glaucoma so that blood
relatives of known glaucoma patients need to be examined
thoroughly.
“
Reading, watching television and use
of personal computers do not cause
glaucoma
”
The sense of pressure and discomfort after prolonged practice of
these activities are in reality symptoms of fatigue or dry eyes and not
a rise of intraocular pressure.
Who is in danger of
acquiring glaucoma?
GLAUCOMA PREDISPOSING
FACTORS
• Family history
• Age
• Race (African, Hispanic)
• Myopia or Hypermetropia
• Thin cornea
• Former eye trauma
• Diabetes
• Circulatory problems
• Sleeping apnea
• Long-standing corti-
sone use
