Fluid Production
Aqueous Humor
A fluid called aqueous humor is continually produced inside the eye to help it keep its shape and function.
Glaucoma Causes & Risk Factors
Glaucoma is a disease that can strike anyone, and it is often driven by an abnormal increase in eye pressure. Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction helps you understand your risk and detect glaucoma early, serving Beverly Hills, Burbank, and greater Los Angeles.
What Causes Glaucoma?
The eye, being a round and hollow structure, needs pressure to maintain its shape — and therefore its function.
A fluid called aqueous humor is produced inside the eye and then drained out through the eye's drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork (TM). When the trabecular meshwork becomes blocked, drainage is restricted and the eye pressure rises.
An abnormal increase in eye pressure can cause glaucoma and lead to damage of the optic nerve, which is why keeping eye pressure under control is central to protecting your vision.
Learn About Glaucoma
How Eye Pressure Builds
Glaucoma pressure comes down to a balance between the fluid the eye makes and the fluid it drains.
Drainage
The Trabecular Meshwork
That fluid is drained out through the eye's drainage system, known as the trabecular meshwork (TM).
Blockage
Restricted Drainage
When the trabecular meshwork becomes blocked, drainage is restricted, causing an elevation in eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve.
Glaucoma Risk Factors
Glaucoma can strike anyone, but some factors may increase your chance of developing the disease. Some you already know — others only a complete eye exam can reveal.
Age
Over the Age of 60
Anyone over the age of 60 has an increased risk of developing glaucoma, and that risk continues to climb with age.
Family History
Glaucoma in the Family
A family history of glaucoma raises your likelihood of developing the disease. If a parent or sibling has it, tell your eye doctor.
Ethnicity
African Americans Over 40
African Americans, especially those over the age of 40, are at higher risk of glaucoma and may develop it earlier and more severely.
Found on Exam
High Eye Pressure
Elevated intraocular pressure is the most significant modifiable risk factor — and it causes no symptoms you can feel.
Found on Exam
Optic Nerve Abnormalities
Changes in the appearance of the optic nerve can signal glaucoma before any vision is lost, which is why we examine it directly.
Found on Exam
A Cornea That Is Too Thin
Thin corneas are an independent risk factor and also affect how accurately your eye pressure reads, so we measure corneal thickness.
Other Factors That May Increase Risk
- Diabetes
- Severe nearsightedness (high myopia)
- A prior eye injury or eye surgery
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications, including steroid eye drops
A complete eye exam will reveal more risk factors, such as high eye pressure, optic nerve abnormalities, and a cornea that is too thin.
Why Choose Berg-Feinfield
A complete eye exam is the best way to uncover the risk factors that you cannot feel on your own.
Because glaucoma can strike anyone and often develops without symptoms, a thorough evaluation matters. Our exam looks for high eye pressure, optic nerve abnormalities, and a cornea that is too thin — helping us understand your personal risk and catch glaucoma early.
Explore Glaucoma CareGlaucoma can strike anyone, and elevated eye pressure often gives no warning. Knowing your risk factors and getting a complete eye exam is the best way to protect your vision.
Our experienced ophthalmologists can assess your risk factors and help you detect glaucoma early.
Glaucoma Causes & Risk Factors FAQs
Answers to common questions about what causes glaucoma and who is at risk.
What causes glaucoma?
The eye needs pressure to maintain its shape and function. Aqueous humor is produced inside the eye and drained through the trabecular meshwork. When that drainage system becomes blocked, eye pressure rises, and an abnormal increase in pressure can cause glaucoma and damage to the optic nerve.
What is the trabecular meshwork?
The trabecular meshwork (TM) is the eye's drainage system, which drains the aqueous humor produced inside the eye. If the TM becomes blocked, drainage is restricted and eye pressure can rise.
Who is at risk for glaucoma?
Glaucoma can strike anyone, but risk factors include being over the age of 60, having a family history of glaucoma, and being African American, especially over the age of 40.
What additional risk factors can an eye exam reveal?
A complete eye exam can reveal further risk factors, such as high eye pressure, optic nerve abnormalities, and a cornea that is too thin.
Are there other conditions that raise glaucoma risk?
Yes. Diabetes, severe nearsightedness, a prior eye injury or eye surgery, and long-term use of corticosteroid medications — including steroid eye drops — may also increase your risk.
Does high eye pressure always mean I have glaucoma?
No. Some people have elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage, and others develop glaucoma at normal pressures. That is why your ophthalmologist evaluates the optic nerve and visual field, not just the pressure reading.
Can glaucoma be prevented?
Glaucoma cannot always be prevented, but understanding your risk factors and having regular, complete eye exams allows for early detection and management to help protect your vision.
Schedule Your Glaucoma Evaluation
Ready to understand your risk? Request an appointment or call our team to start your personalized glaucoma evaluation at Berg-Feinfield Vision Correction.