Glaucoma Risk Factors in Seniors

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Glaucoma Risk Factors in Seniors

• By
• Home Care Assistance Fort Myers

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• Glaucoma refers to several eye disorders that can
  cause permanent vision loss when left untreated.
  The risk of getting these disorders increases
  with age, which makes it important for seniors to
  have routine eye exams. Seniors and caregivers
  should also be aware of the following risk
  factors associated with glaucoma.

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Age
Underlying Medical Conditions

• Glaucoma occurs when nerve tissue in the eye
  deteriorates. This most often happens with the
  aging process, as nerve tissue begins to break
  down. Seniors who are 60 years old and up have
  the highest risk of developing glaucoma, and
  their risk goes up every year.

Certain medical conditions can raise the risk of
glaucoma, including heart disease, diabetes and
high blood pressure. Seniors who have one or more
of these underlying conditions should make sure
it is managed effectively under their doctors
care in order to lower their risk of glaucoma as
much as possible.
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Family History
Race

• Seniors who have had family members with glaucoma
  face a higher risk of developing this disease.
  Senior caregivers should make sure that doctors
  are aware of the family history of glaucoma to
  ensure that seniors are tested for it as often as
  needed.

• Racial factors can play a role in the risk of
  glaucoma. African-American seniors have an
  increased risk of glaucoma compared to those of
  other races. This risk begins to rise in
  African-Americans after they turn 40 years old.
  Seniors of Latin American descent have the
  highest risk of glaucoma among those who are very
  old, while seniors of Asian American decent are
  more at risk of developing a type of glaucoma
  known as angle-closure glaucoma.

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Trauma
Eye Conditions

• Trauma to the eye resulting from injuries, such
  as being hit with an object or being poked in the
  eye, can increase the risk of glaucoma. This
  occurs due to a rise in eye pressure, which
  raises the risk of damage to eye structures.
  Seniors who have any eye injuries should receive
  treatment as soon as possible and see their eye
  doctor to have their eyes checked for glaucoma as
  often as necessary.

Certain types of eye conditions, such as a
thickened cornea, can lead to a higher risk of
developing glaucoma. Other conditions that affect
the eye, such as being nearsighted or having a
detached retina, might also raise the risk of
glaucoma. Seniors with eye conditions should be
checked for early signs of glaucoma as often as
their doctor recommends.
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Medication

• Corticosteroids, which are sometimes used to
  treat certain health conditions, might result in
  a higher risk of glaucoma. While using
  corticosteroids on a short-term basis does not
  increase this risk, using this medication for a
  long period of time can lead to a higher risk of
  secondary glaucoma.
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Contact us

• If you or an elderly loved one needs high quality
  home care or meaningful companionship, we at Home
  Care Assistance of Fort Myers are here to help.
  Call [phone] to speak with a Care Manager
  now.
• Web http//www.homecareassistancefortmyers.com/
• Email support_at_homecareassistancefortmyers.com