Who is at higher risk of developing glaucoma?

23 July 2026

What makes glaucoma especially concerning is that, in its early stages, it often develops without causing pain or noticeable symptoms. Many people do not realize they have glaucoma until the optic nerve has already sustained significant damage.

Although anyone can develop glaucoma, certain factors significantly increase the risk. Understanding these risk factors helps identify individuals who should undergo regular comprehensive eye examinations for early detection and vision preservation.

People at Higher Risk of Developing Glaucoma

1. Adults Over the Age of 40

The risk of glaucoma increases with age. Beginning at age 40, it is recommended to have regular comprehensive eye exams, even if there are no symptoms or changes in vision.

After age 60, the likelihood of developing glaucoma increases even further.

2. People with a Family History of Glaucoma

Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma significantly increases your risk of developing the disease.

This does not mean glaucoma is inevitable, but it does make routine preventive eye exams even more important.

3. People with Elevated Eye Pressure

High intraocular pressure (IOP) is one of the main risk factors for glaucoma. However, it is important to understand that:

• Not everyone with elevated eye pressure will develop glaucoma.
• Some people develop glaucoma even when their eye pressure falls within the normal range.

For this reason, measuring eye pressure alone is not enough to diagnose or rule out glaucoma.

4. People with Diabetes

Diabetes can affect multiple structures within the eye and has been associated with an increased risk of glaucoma.

In addition, people living with diabetes should have regular eye examinations to screen not only for glaucoma but also for other eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.

5. People with High Blood Pressure or Circulatory Problems

Changes in blood flow may affect the health of the optic nerve.

Although the relationship between these conditions and glaucoma varies from person to person, they are additional risk factors that ophthalmologists consider during an eye examination.

6. People with High Myopia or Significant Hyperopia

People with high myopia (severe nearsightedness) are at greater risk of developing certain types of glaucoma, particularly primary open-angle glaucoma.

Conversely, people with significant hyperopia (farsightedness) are more likely to develop angle-closure glaucoma, a less common form of the disease that can occur suddenly and constitutes a medical emergency.

7. People Who Use Corticosteroids Long-Term

Long-term use of corticosteroid medications—including eye drops, inhalers, creams, oral medications, or injections—can increase intraocular pressure in some individuals.

Anyone requiring prolonged corticosteroid treatment should have regular ophthalmologic evaluations.

8. People Who Have Had Eye Injuries or Eye Surgery

A serious eye injury can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, even years after the trauma occurred.

Certain eye surgeries or ocular diseases may also alter the eye's natural drainage system and increase the risk of glaucoma.

9. People from Certain Ethnic Groups

Research has shown that some populations have a greater genetic predisposition to glaucoma.

For example, individuals of African ancestry have a higher risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma. In many cases, the disease develops at a younger age and progresses more rapidly than in other populations.