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Myopia is a strong risk factor. For starters, myopic eyeballs are already stretched, making their optic nerves more fragile and susceptible to damage. \u201cWeakness of the optic nerve as it enters the back of the eye is why there can be glaucomatous damage at relatively low pressures,\u201d according to a study. In fact, said Dr Fan, \u201csevere myopia (above 600 degrees) increases your life-time risk of glaucoma by about two to three times\u201d.<\/p>\n
The other risk factors, he added, include age, a family history, diabetes, trauma and the use of steroids. \u201cCertain types of glaucoma are also associated with changes in our vascular system, such as having migraines, joint disorders and being female (for example, women\u2019s hormonal changes and longer life expectancy can lead to a higher cumulative risk of age-related glaucoma).\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTypical glaucoma usually affects both eyes but one eye may be more severe compared to the other,\u201d said Dr Fan.<\/p>\n
Unlike myopia, presbyopia doesn’t directly cause or lead to glaucoma, according to this study. Both conditions may seem related as they often occur simultaneously after age 40. But while they share ageing-related changes in the eye’s structure, such as the ciliary muscles, lens rigidity and fluid drainage, one does not cause the other.<\/span><\/p>\n Signs of glaucoma often start with a painless blurring of the peripheral or side vision. If you drive, you may notice that objects in the side mirror look blurry, or there may be small, dark spots marring your side vision. Patients may sometimes present with consistently red eyes.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWHAT IS THE VISION OF SOMEONE WITH GLAUCOMA?<\/h2>\n