Chiropractic Healing Works

Chiropractic Healing Works

3 Risk Factors For Developing Open Angle Glaucoma

by Charlie Berry

One of the most common eye disorders is glaucoma. Of the two forms of glaucoma (open angle and angle closure) the more common form is an open angle. The risk factors are going to be different depending on the form of glaucoma. High blood pressure, for instance, is not a risk factor for angle closure glaucoma, yet it is a risk factor for open angle glaucoma. In fact, low blood pressure is a risk factor for angle closure. So, with that in mind, here are a few risk factors that are involved with developing open angle glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure

People who have high eye pressure (intraocular pressure) are considered to be at a higher risk of developing open angle glaucoma than those who have normal eye pressure. The pressure is caused by a buildup of fluid in the eye, which is caused by bad drainage. The high pressure itself does not mean that you will develop glaucoma, but it does mean that you need to be vigilant about getting checked for glaucoma development. The increased pressure can lead to nerve damage and other secondary issues, one of which is the onset of glaucoma. Unfortunately, the symptoms of intraocular pressure are not going to be apparent to you, so it's important to visit an eye doctor and get your eyes tested using a tonometer.

Age (40+ For African Americans, 60+ Others)

Age (and ethnicity) is another factor when discussing glaucoma risk factors. Persons over the age of 60 are at a higher risk for developing glaucoma. This number needs to be adjusted when looking at persons of African American heritage. African Americans are at a much higher risk (up to 20%) and therefore they need to be very vigilant about getting their eyes checked. The reason as to why African Americans are at a higher risk is still not known.

In the general population, anyone over the age of 60 is at a higher risk. So, this is the age when frequent visits to the eye doctor to check for glaucoma is a good idea.

Family History of Glaucoma

It's also important to determine if you have a family history of glaucoma. There is a famous study out of Baltimore that shows a correlation between familial history and development of glaucoma. The study included both Caucasian and African Americans, so it was strictly related to age. So, as the study indicates, if you have someone in your family that has developed glaucoma, then you need to get checked.

Click the link for more information on glaucoma treatment.


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About Me

Chiropractic Healing Works

I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.

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