Metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke; has also been linked to increasing the risk of glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes damage to the optic nerve resulting in vision loss.  It generally occurs due to elevated pressure within the eye and has few, if any, symptoms until its more advanced stages.

A longitudinal cohort study published in Ophthalmology, included 2,182,135 members enrolled in a managed care network who received an eye examination between 2001 and 2007.  Data analysis showed the following increased risk of developing glaucoma:

• High Cholesterol  5%
• Obesity 15%
• High Blood Pressure 17%
• Diabetes 35%
• Diabetes & High Blood Pressure 48%

Interested in determining your risk of glaucoma?  Schedule an appointment with an optometrist at Gray Family Vision today.

By Dr. Cook, O.D.