I have a family history of glaucoma. Does it only occur in older people?

Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 40. Glaucoma can affect anyone at any age. This eye disease is caused by increased pressure in the eye which can damage the optic nerve resulting in vision loss. Damage to optic nerve occurs when there is an increase in pressure in the eye or due to other factors such as a decrease in the blood flow to the optic nerve. If glaucoma is left untreated, the eye will slowly lose nerve function and peripheral (side) vision.

There are several factors that may make you more likely to develop glaucoma. These include:

• age
• family history
• nearsightedness
• poor health (heart attack or stroke)
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• increased intraocular pressure (This occurs when there is a blockage preventing fluid from flowing out of the eye, therefore, increasing the pressure in the eye.)
• some medications, such as steroids

Any vision problems that may not be corrected by glasses or contact lenses may be a sign that you have glaucoma. It is important to have your eyes checked regularly or whenever you notice any visual changes so that vision problems can be treated early. Glaucoma tends to appear silently with no obvious symptoms until vision loss starts to occur. The loss of vision cannot be reversed. There is no cure for glaucoma.

For more information about glaucoma, or for available programs and services, contact Health Link Alberta where nurses are available 24-7 to provide health advice and information. Call 1-866-408-LINK (5465) or 780-408-LINK (Edmonton area) or 403-943-LINK (Calgary area).