International Survey Shows People Over Forty Ignore Risk of...(es. The two most common forms are: - ...)

- Open-angle glaucoma - when the pressure in the eye increases over time due to poor drainage of the aqueous humour.

- Angle-closure glaucoma - when the iris is too close to the drainage canal (trabecular meshwork).

Anyone can develop glaucoma, but the risk becomes greater as you age. People who are more likely to develop it:

- Have high eye pressure(5)

- Are markedly nearsighted(5)

- Have a family history of glaucoma(5)

- Are of African descent (open-angle glaucoma)(5)

- Are of Asian descent (angle-closure glaucoma)(1)

- Have high blood pressure(6)

The only modifiable glaucoma risk factor is high eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP). This is the leading cause of glaucoma, although it is possible to develop the condition without it. Due to the build-up of natural fluid produced by the eye, high eye pressure causes permanent damage to the optic nerve, the "cable" used by the eye to communicate to the brain.(7) High eye pressure may exist without noticeable symptoms so many people do not know they have it if their vision is not checked regularly.(8) In fact, people may not notice vision loss until 40 percent or more of their optic nerve has been damaged.8 IOP is an easily identifiable risk factor, however people who fall within the normal IOP range may still be at risk for glaucoma.

About the World Glaucoma Association and the World Glaucoma Patient Association

Both the WGA and WGPA exist to better the lives of glaucoma patients around the world. The WGA attempts to optimize the quality of glaucoma science and care through communication and cooperation among national and regional Glaucoma Societies, with companies involved with glaucoma, glaucoma patient organizations and many others in the glaucoma community, and by the enhancement of glaucoma management by ophthalmologists around the world. The WGPA works globally to encourage the establishmen
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