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How Can I Prevent It?

All adults need an eye exam that includes tests for glaucoma every three to five years. These tests are usually done by an eye doctor - either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. If someone in your family has had glaucoma or if you have other risk factors for glaucoma, your doctor may suggest that you have more frequent eye exams.

Risk factors for developing glaucoma include:

• Being of African, Hispanic, Inuit, Irish, Japanese, Russian or Scandinavian descent.
• Having a family history of glaucoma.
• Moderate or extreme nearsightedness (greater than -6.00 diopters).
• Being older than 40.
• Having poor vision from a different eye problem.
• Having diabetes.
• Prior episode of serious eye trauma.
• Taking any form of steroid medications (pills, inhalers, eye drops) for diseases such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

Most of the factors that influence your chances for developing glaucoma are beyond your control, such as age, race and family history. But there are things you can do that might help prevent glaucoma - beginning with scheduling a periodic eye examination.

 

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