What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

The main risk factors are:

Ocular hypertension

Family history

Age over 40 — (However, it can occur at any age)

Black / Asian ancestry

Eye conditions: high myopia, pseudoexfoliation, uveitis, injury, retinal and corneal surgery, haemorrhage

Systemic diseases: diabetes, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, high / low blood pressure

Medication: corticosteroids, topiramate…

Glaucomatous optic nerve

This information does not replace an individual medical assessment. Follow the advice of the team looking after you.

Dr. Nuno Lopes · Patient information
Editorial presentation updated on 27 October 2026. Your team's individual instructions take priority.