A staggering four million Americans currently have glaucoma, a condition that causes increased pressure to the optic nerves within the eyeball and lead gradually to complete blindness. But perhaps even more surprising is the fact that a great majority of those afflicted have no idea they have glaucoma. This is due to the fact that the condition causes almost no discomfort or vision issues during the early stages.
Unfortunately, glaucoma can destroy your vision before you realize there’s a medical problem. That’s why it’s imperative to be vigilant of the following risk factors that make one prone to the disease…
1. Advanced Age
Yes, age puts you at an increased risk of developing glaucoma, particularly if you’ve 60-years of age or older. However, if you’re of African-American descent, the risk increases much earlier (i.e., around the age of 40). If you fall within the high risk age group, it’s time to start getting a yearly eye exam.
