What Could Cause Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is not a single disease but rather a collection of conditions that result in damage to the eye's optic nerve, which results in loss of vision. People who are over the age of 60 are at a higher risk of glaucoma, although anyone can develop the disorder. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness in one or both eyes. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic and the National Eye Institute about what causes glaucoma.

Genetics

• According to the National Eye Institute, family history, genetics and birth defects can cause glaucoma. Babies may be born with defects that cause the fluid in the eye to drain improperly, which can cause glaucoma. People with a family history of glaucoma have an increased risk of getting it themselves, and African Americans have a higher risk of developing glaucoma than Caucasians.

Injuries

• Injuries to the eye or head can be a cause of glaucoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, sudden trauma like an auto accident could cause detachment of the retina or increase the internal pressure in the eye, resulting in glaucoma. Infections of the eye and eye surgery can also increase pressure in the eye and cause glaucoma to develop.

Medical Disorders

• Certain types of chronic medical disorders can be a cause of glaucoma, according to the Mayo Clinic. Atherosclerosis, which is a medical term for hardening of the arteries, can damage the eye and cause glaucoma. Diabetes is another medical condition that can increase the risk of glaucoma, as can high blood pressure in vessels of the eye.

Medications

• According to the Mayo Clinic, some types of medications can affect the eye and may cause the development of glaucoma. Medications used by optometrists to dilate the eyes during an eye test can be a cause of sudden glaucoma. Other medications, including antihistamines like Zyrtec and antidepressants like Sinequan can also be a cause of glaucoma.

Nerve Disorders

• According to the Mayo Clinic, disorders of the optic nerve of the eye can be a cause of glaucoma. An unusually sensitive optic nerve can experience an excessive amount of damage and cause glaucoma to develop over time. A tumor on the optic nerve can also be a cause of glaucoma, as can loss of blood supply to the optic nerve.

Structural Disorders

• Structural disorders of the eye can result in glaucoma and sometimes complete blindness within one or two days. According to the National Eye Institute, cataracts, tumors and inflammation of the eyeball can all cause glaucoma to develop. Abnormal shedding of the pigment of the iris of the eye can also be a cause of glaucoma.