{"id":1591,"date":"2024-12-17T19:29:45","date_gmt":"2024-12-17T19:29:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/touchingheadev.wpenginepowered.com\/aurora\/?p=1591"},"modified":"2025-02-10T22:19:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T22:19:35","slug":"national-glaucoma-awareness-month-what-are-the-risk-factors-of-glaucoma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/touchinghearts.com\/aurora\/blog\/national-glaucoma-awareness-month-what-are-the-risk-factors-of-glaucoma\/","title":{"rendered":"National Glaucoma Awareness Month: What are the Risk Factors of Glaucoma?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, a time to highlight this serious eye disease and its impact, especially on seniors. Glaucoma is a condition that damages the optic nerve, often caused by increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Since the disease typically progresses slowly, many people may not realize they have it until symptoms worsen.<\/p>\n

Understanding the risk factors and taking preventive measures is key to protecting vision, especially as we age.<\/p>\n

5 Risk Factors of Glaucoma for Seniors<\/h3>\n
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  1. Age<\/strong>
    \nThe risk of developing glaucoma increases as people get older, especially after the age of 60. Seniors are more likely to experience changes in eye pressure, making regular checkups critical.<\/li>\n
  2. Family History<\/strong>
    \nGenetics plays a significant role in glaucoma risk. If close relatives, such as parents or siblings, have the disease, the chances of developing it are higher.<\/li>\n
  3. Medical Conditions<\/strong>
    \nHealth issues like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease are linked to an increased risk of glaucoma. Managing these conditions can help lower the likelihood of complications.<\/li>\n
  4. Ethnicity<\/strong>
    \nCertain ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians, are at a greater risk of developing specific types of glaucoma.<\/li>\n
  5. Previous Eye Injuries or Conditions<\/strong>
    \nPast eye injuries, surgeries, or conditions such as severe nearsightedness can increase the chances of glaucoma over time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Steps to Help Prevent Glaucoma<\/h3>\n

    While glaucoma cannot always be prevented, there are steps seniors can take to reduce the risk or slow its progression:<\/p>\n