Risk Factors

Open-angle glaucoma:

Strong Risk Factors

• High eye pressure



• Family history of glaucoma



• Age 40 and older for African Americans



• Age 60 and older for the general population, especially Mexican Americans



• Thin Cornea



• Abnormal optic nerve anatomy

Potential Risk Factors

• High myopia (very severe nearsightedness)



• Diabetes



• Eye surgery or injury



• High blood pressure



• Use of prescription steroids

Closed-angle glaucoma:

• Age



• Family history



• Poor short-distance vision (far-sighted)



• Eye injury or eye surgery



• Asian or Eskimo descent may increase risk

Normal-tension glaucoma:

• Cardiovascular disease



• Family history



• Japanese descent may increase risk

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