Glaucoma risk factors
Some risk factors may indicate a higher chance of developing glaucoma. A family history of the disease, previous injuries to the eyes, and the presence of diabetes, migraine headaches and being nearsighted increase the odds of contracting the disease.
Ethnic background plays a part: African Americans are six times as likely to develop glaucoma as Caucasians, though the reasons are unclear. Anyone over 60 has an increased risk, too. Heart disease and high blood pressure elevate the risk, as does the use of corticosteroids over long periods of time.
