Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, and age is a major risk factor in its development. Often called the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma typically progresses without symptoms until irreversible damage has already occurred. Understanding how age affects your risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your vision.
 

How Age Affects Glaucoma Risk

As we grow older, changes in the eye can increase the likelihood of developing glaucoma. The most common form, open-angle glaucoma, is rare before age 40 but becomes increasingly common as we age. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the risk of glaucoma increases significantly after age 60, and even earlier in certain ethnic groups.

Age-related changes in the drainage system of the eye can lead to increased intraocular pressure (IOP), which is a key risk factor for glaucoma. In some people, optic nerve damage can occur even with normal IOP levels. This means age-related degeneration of the optic nerve may also contribute to the disease.
 

Other Age-Related Risk Factors

Along with elevated IOP, aging brings other changes that can elevate glaucoma risk, such as:

• Thinning of the optic nerve tissue

• Decreased blood flow to the optic nerve

• Age-related eye diseases like cataracts that can complicate glaucoma diagnosis and management
   

Family history, diabetes, and long-term steroid use also compound the risks, making regular monitoring even more important as you age.
 

Why Routine Eye Exams Are Essential 

Because glaucoma often has no warning signs in its early stages, the only way to detect it early is through a comprehensive eye exam. At Raleigh Eye Center, we use advanced diagnostic tools to measure eye pressure, assess the optic nerve, and evaluate your overall eye health.
 

Routine exams are especially important for patients over the age of 40. Detecting glaucoma early gives you the best chance to preserve your vision with treatments such as medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.
 

Protect Your Sight at Raleigh Eye Center

Age plays a significant role in the development of glaucoma, but regular eye exams can help catch it early before vision loss occurs. If you are over 40 or have other risk factors, make your eye health a priority.
 

Schedule your annual eye exam at Raleigh Eye Center and take a proactive step toward protecting your eyesight from glaucoma. Contact our office in Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia. Call (919) 899-2472, (919) 876-2427 or (252) 492-8021 to book an appointment today.