In 2015, nearly 3 million people were blind due to Glaucoma, and 4 million had moderate to severe vision impairment. Let’s talk about the third leading cause of blindness…
Are some people more at risk of chronic glaucoma?
Yes. There are several factors which increase the risk.
- Age: Chronic glaucoma becomes much more common with increasing age. It is uncommon below the age of 40 but affects one per cent of people over this age and five per cent over 65.
- Race: If you are of African origin you are more at risk of chronic glaucoma and it may come on somewhat earlier and be more severe. So make sure that you have regular tests.
- Family: f you have a close relative who has chronic glaucoma then you should have an eye test at regular intervals. You should advise other members of your family to do the same. This is especially important if you are aged over 40 when tests should be done every year.
- Short sight: People with a high degree of short sight are more prone to chronic glaucoma.
Diabetes is believed to increase the risk of developing this condition.
