Glaucoma has not been traced to a single identifiable cause in most cases. Still, researchers have pinpointed several risk factors, with genetic predisposition standing out as a significant element. In discussions with socialbites.ca, Ilmira Gazizova, who heads the Ophthalmology Department at the Institute of Human Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences and serves on the European Glaucoma Association’s Committee for Cooperation with European Countries, emphasized the hereditary component.
She noted that a family history of glaucoma noticeably raises an individual’s risk. The likelihood climbs further for people with high myopia, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Additional contributors include metabolic disorders and smoking, while low blood pressure can also intersect with glaucoma risk. Importantly, regardless of other factors, the chance of developing glaucoma tends to rise after age 40.
Gazizova pointed out that glaucoma currently affects roughly 3% of the Russian population overall and becomes more common with advancing age, reaching about one in three individuals over 70. Early glaucoma often presents without obvious symptoms, which is why a yearly eye examination starting at age 40 is widely recommended as a precautionary measure. Regular checks help detect subtle changes in the optic nerve and intraocular pressure that might otherwise go unnoticed until vision changes occur.
In today’s context, it is essential to understand how glaucoma can lead to vision loss if left unmonitored and why timely surgical or medical interventions are considered for certain patients. The prevailing guidance from eye health specialists stresses routine screenings, careful assessment of family history, and personalized risk evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment path. For individuals with elevated risk, clinicians may discuss options ranging from monitoring and medication to surgical procedures when needed.