Can young people get Glaucoma?

Can Young People Get Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is often thought of as an older person’s disease, but it can affect teenagers and young adults too. Early detection and treatment are vital because glaucoma can permanently damage vision if left untreated. This guide explains how glaucoma can occur in younger people, what to watch for, and when to seek medical advice.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, usually due to elevated pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure, or IOP). It’s a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Although most cases occur after age 40, younger people can develop specific types of glaucoma.

Main Types Affecting Young People

• Juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG)
  • Onset: Late childhood to early adulthood (usually ages 10–35)
  • Similar to adult primary open-angle glaucoma, but often with higher eye pressures
  • Can run in families due to genetic mutations (e.g., MYOC gene)
• Congenital glaucoma
  • Present at birth or diagnosed within the first year of life
  • Caused by abnormal development of the eye’s drainage system
  • Symptoms include excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and enlarged eyes
• Secondary glaucoma
  • Can occur at any age when another eye condition (trauma, inflammation, steroid use) raises eye pressure
  • Examples: uveitic glaucoma, traumatic glaucoma

How Common Is Glaucoma in Young Adults?

• Juvenile glaucoma is rare, accounting for less than 5% of all glaucoma cases.
• Family history is a strong risk factor—about 50–90% of JOAG patients report at least one affected relative.
• Early-onset primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) shares features with adult POAG but tends to progress more rapidly without treatment.

Who’s at Risk?

Young people may be at higher risk if they have:

• A parent or sibling with glaucoma
• High intraocular pressure on routine eye exams
• Certain genetic mutations (e.g., MYOC, CYP1B1)
• History of eye trauma or inflammation
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
• Disorders like Sturge–Weber syndrome or anterior segment dysgenesis

Signs and Symptoms

Glaucoma in young adults often progresses silently. Symptoms may only appear when significant optic nerve damage has occurred:

• Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
• Difficulty adjusting to low light
• Headaches or eye pain (more common in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
• Seeing halos around lights (rare in open-angle types)
• Redness or blurred vision (in secondary or angle-closure cases)

Because early-stage glaucoma is usually symptom-free, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial—especially if you have any risk factors.

Diagnosis

Eye care professionals diagnose glaucoma through:

1. Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
2. Ophthalmoscopy to inspect the optic nerve for damage
3. Visual field testing to detect peripheral vision loss
4. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to image the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer
5. Gonioscopy to examine the drainage angle in the eye

If you’re experiencing any vision changes or have risk factors, consider a free online symptom check to guide your next steps.

Treatment Options

The goal of treatment is to lower eye pressure and prevent further optic nerve damage. Options include:

• Eye drops
  • Prostaglandin analogs (e.g., latanoprost)
  • Beta-blockers (e.g., timolol)
  • Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
  • Rho kinase inhibitors
• Oral medications (for more severe pressure elevation)
• Laser therapy
  • Selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) for open-angle types
  • Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) for angle-closure risk
• Surgery
  • Trabeculectomy or tube shunt implants for uncontrolled pressure

Young patients often require close follow-up, as glaucoma can progress faster at earlier ages.

Living with Glaucoma in Young Adulthood

Managing glaucoma is a lifelong commitment. Here are practical tips:

• Take medications exactly as prescribed—missing doses can lead to irreversible damage.
• Keep routine eye-exam appointments—frequency depends on disease severity.
• Protect your eyes: wear safety goggles during sports or hazardous activities.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, balanced diet, and avoid smoking.
• Stay informed: ask your ophthalmologist about new treatments or clinical trials.

When to See a Doctor

Seek prompt medical evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden eye pain or redness
• Blurred vision or halos around lights
• Severe headache accompanied by nausea (possible acute angle-closure glaucoma)
• Noticeable loss of side vision

Even if you feel fine but have risk factors, schedule comprehensive eye exams every 1–2 years. Early detection is key to preserving vision.

Key Takeaways

• Young people can develop glaucoma—especially juvenile open-angle and secondary types.
• Family history, certain genes, eye injuries, and long-term steroid use increase risk.
• Early glaucoma is often symptomless; regular exams are critical.
• Treatment focuses on lowering eye pressure through drops, lasers, or surgery.
• Adherence to therapy and follow-up can help maintain vision for life.

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have serious or worsening symptoms, please speak to a doctor right away.