There's evidence that a family history of glaucoma, especially a first-degree biological relative (a parent, child or sibling), means you also have a higher risk of developing it. And several conditions that cause secondary glaucoma are genetic, too.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma
High intraocular pressure is how glaucoma damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. Glaucoma runs in families and is more likely to be inherited from fathers than mothers.
While genetics do play a role, having a family history doesn't mean glaucoma is unavoidable. The good news is that with early detection, regular monitoring, and proactive care, you can take meaningful steps to protect your vision.
Gradual loss of peripheral vision, often in both eyes: This is typically the earliest sign of glaucoma. You might notice that you can't see objects out of the corner of your eye as well as you used to. Over time, this peripheral vision loss can worsen, leading to tunnel vision.
Causes of Glaucoma
As the disease worsens, the field of vision gradually narrows and blindness can result. However, if detected early through a comprehensive eye exam, glaucoma can usually be controlled and serious vision loss prevented.
Generally, people are likely to develop glaucoma when they are over 60 years of age. However, African Americans usually start to develop this disease when they are over the age of 40.
Nicotinamide/Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide) has recently shown significant potential as a novel treatment for glaucoma. It was postulated as a neuroprotective agent for glaucoma in 2017 by Williams and colleagues.
“Strict adherence to medication is the single most important thing a patient with glaucoma can do to keep their vision from worsening,” Yohannan says.
The first sign of glaucoma is often vision loss -- generally to your peripheral vision, which is also known as side vision or tunnel vision. If you start to notice vision impairment around the edges of your visual field, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately.
While it does not offer a cure, regular exercise, by reducing several risk factors for glaucoma, may be a useful addition to the prevention of visual loss from glaucoma. Those considering beginning an exercise program should discuss it with their eye doctor.
In addition to saturated fats, you should also limit trans fats because they harm blood vessels and raise cholesterol levels. That means you'll need to avoid fried foods, french fries, potato chips, baked goods, and frozen pizza.
Halos around lights: Rainbow-like rings around lights, especially at night, can be a red flag. Eye pain or pressure: A dull ache or intense pressure may signal acute glaucoma.
While stress alone doesn't cause glaucoma, it may play a supporting role in how the disease progresses. Managing stress isn't just good for your mental health—it could also help protect your vision.
But most forms of glaucoma are treatable, especially when diagnosed early. And with care and careful management, it's possible to delay — or even prevent — permanent vision loss.
According to a NIH study, women consuming fresh peaches and oranges in excess of two servings per week reduced their odds of developing glaucoma. Orange consumption led to 82% reduction in glaucoma development, while peaches served to cut this risk by 70% percent.
A newer, innovative glaucoma treatment option is selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). With this procedure, your eye doctor applies laser energy to the tissue inside your eye, stimulating the affected tissue to increase the natural drainage process.
Vitamin D is particularly relevant in glaucoma, where vascular health and immune function intersect. While sunshine helps, many people, especially older adults, need a daily supplement to reach optimal levels.
Open-angle glaucoma — The most common form of glaucoma, this type is caused by damage to the filter in the eye's drainage canals.
Anyone can get glaucoma, but African Americans over age 40, all people over age 60 and those with a family history of glaucoma or diabetes are at higher risk.
Eye discomfort or pain: A feeling of pressure or aching in or around the eyes. Headaches: Particularly those centered around the eyes or forehead. Blurred vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly. Seeing halos around lights: Especially in low-light conditions.
Exercises that Can Raise Eye Pressure
Exercise that involves straining or bearing down, such as weight-lifting or inverted sit-ups, has the opposite effect. Many yoga poses, those that incorporate inversion, can also have a negative effect on eye pressure.
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma and vision loss cannot be reversed, the condition can be effectively managed to prevent further damage. Early detection and consistent care are key.
Glaucoma can happen suddenly. This is called acute angle closure glaucoma. You can recognize this if you suddenly have: Severe eye pain or headache.