Glaucoma Risk Factors in Seniors

1. Glaucoma Risk Factors in Seniors By Home Care Assistance Fort Myers

2. Glaucoma refers to several eye disorders that can cause permanent vision loss when left untreated. The risk of getting these disorders increases with age, which makes it important for seniors to have routine eye exams. Seniors and caregivers should also be aware of the following risk factors associated with glaucoma.

3. Age Underlying Medical Conditions Certain medical conditions can raise the risk of glaucoma, including heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. Seniors who have one or more of these underlying conditions should make sure it is managed effectively under their doctor’s care in order to lower their risk of glaucoma as much as possible. Glaucoma occurs when nerve tissue in the eye deteriorates. This most often happens with the aging process, as nerve tissue begins to break down. Seniors who are 60 years old and up have the highest risk of developing glaucoma, and their risk goes up every year.

4. Race Family History • Racial factors can play a role in the risk of glaucoma. African-American seniors have an increased risk of glaucoma compared to those of other races. This risk begins to rise in African-Americans after they turn 40 years old. Seniors of Latin American descent have the highest risk of glaucoma among those who are very old, while seniors of Asian American decent are more at risk of developing a type of glaucoma known as angle-closure glaucoma. • Seniors who have had family members with glaucoma face a higher risk of developing this disease. Senior caregivers should make sure that doctors are aware of the family history of glaucoma to ensure that seniors are tested for it as often as needed.

5. Eye Conditions Trauma Certain types of eye conditions, such as a thickened cornea, can lead to a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Other conditions that affect the eye, such as being nearsighted or having a detached retina, might also raise the risk of glaucoma. Seniors with eye conditions should be checked for early signs of glaucoma as often as their doctor recommends. Trauma to the eye resulting from injuries, such as being hit with an object or being poked in the eye, can increase the risk of glaucoma. This occurs due to a rise in eye pressure, which raises the risk of damage to eye structures. Seniors who have any eye injuries should receive treatment as soon as possible and see their eye doctor to have their eyes checked for glaucoma as often as necessary.

6. Medication Corticosteroids, which are sometimes used to treat certain health conditions, might result in a higher risk of glaucoma. While using corticosteroids on a short-term basis does not increase this risk, using this medication for a long period of time can lead to a higher risk of secondary glaucoma.

7. Contact us If you or an elderly loved one needs high quality home care or meaningful companionship, we at Home Care Assistance of Fort Myers are here to help. Call (239) 449-4701 to speak with a Care Manager now. Web : http://www.homecareassistancefortmyers.com/ Email : support@homecareassistancefortmyers.com