Common Causes of Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a collection of diseases of the eyes that can lead to temporary or permanent vision problems, including blindness. Fortunately, many cases of glaucoma can be prevented or treated with medications or surgery, especially if the condition is diagnosed at an early stage before significant eye damage has occurred. Consider this information derived from the National Eye Institute, the Mayo Clinic and the Glaucoma Foundation about common causes of glaucoma.

Birth Defects

• According to the National Eye Institute, birth defects are a common cause of glaucoma in children. Babies may be born with the eye situated at an angle that prevents the proper drainage of fluid. Babies with this birth defect can have surgery performed by an ophthalmologist, which usually restores full vision.

Eye Disorders

• According to the Mayo Clinic, certain types of eye disorders may increase the risk of or cause glaucoma. Detachment of the retina, eye infections and tumors of the optic nerve are eye disorders that may cause glaucoma. People who have myopia, which is commonly referred to as nearsightedness, have a higher chance of getting glaucoma than people with normal vision.

Family History

• The tendency to develop glaucoma may be caused by family history, according to the Glaucoma Foundation. People who have a close relative with glaucoma may be more likely to develop the condition themselves. Conditions that cause glaucoma, such as myopia, also have a tendency to run in families, which may further increase a person's risk of developing the condition.

Medical Disorders

• Certain types of medical disorders may cause glaucoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who have diabetes or underactive thyroid glands may develop complications such as glaucoma. Glaucoma also may result from medical disorders such as cardiovascular disease or elevated blood pressure.

Ocular Hypertension

• Ocular hypertension, which is the medical term for high pressure within the eye, is a common cause of glaucoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people with ocular hypertension will develop glaucoma as a result of damage to the nerve of the eye. However, ocular hypertension may not cause sudden or obvious symptoms, and regular eye exams are needed to diagnose this condition.

Personal Factors

• Certain personal factors are common causes of glaucoma or can increase the risk of glaucoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. People who are over age 60 are more likely than younger people to develop glaucoma. People with African, Mexican or Japanese ancestry are more likely to develop certain types of glaucoma than Caucasians.