What are the risk factors for Open-Angle (OA) Glaucoma?

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Last updated: February 16, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Risk Factors for Open-Angle (OA) Glaucoma

The primary risk factors for Open-Angle Glaucoma include increased intraocular pressure (IOP), family history of glaucoma 1, older age 1, and certain medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus 1 and systemic hypertension 1.

  • Other risk factors include:
    • African or Latino/Hispanic ethnicity 1
    • Myopia 1
    • Thin central cornea 1
    • Low ocular perfusion pressure 1
    • Disc hemorrhage 1
    • Large cup-to-disc ratio 1
    • High pattern standard deviation on threshold visual field testing 1
    • Hypothyroidism 1
    • Male sex 1 It is essential to consider these risk factors when assessing a patient's likelihood of developing Open-Angle Glaucoma, as early detection and treatment can significantly impact the progression of the disease 1.

From the Research

Risk Factors for Open-Angle Glaucoma

The following are risk factors for Open-Angle (OA) Glaucoma:

  • Older age 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) 2, 3, 5, 6
  • Family history of glaucoma 2, 4, 5
  • Nonwhite race, particularly sub-Saharan African ethnic origin 2, 3
  • High myopia 3, 4
  • Thinner central corneal thickness 5, 6
  • Higher cup-to-disk ratios of the optic disc 5, 6
  • Arterial hypertension 4
  • Diabetes 5
  • Use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids, anticholinergics, certain antidepressants, and topiramate 2

Systemic Medical Conditions and Medications

Certain systemic medical conditions and medications may also increase the risk of developing Open-Angle Glaucoma, including:

  • Corticosteroids 2
  • Anticholinergics 2
  • Certain antidepressants 2
  • Topiramate 2

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Glaucoma.

Lancet (London, England), 2017

Research

Risk factors in ocular hypertension.

European journal of ophthalmology, 1997

Research

Risk factors for glaucoma onset and progression.

Survey of ophthalmology, 2008

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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