Risk Factors That Can Lead To Glaucoma

Sickle Cell Anemia

An individual is at an increased risk of developing glaucoma if they are affected by sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia is a disease caused by a gene mutation inherited through an individual's parents. This mutation results in the production of abnormal red blood cells with a concave shape that cannot travel through the blood vessels like regular red blood cells. Blood vessel abnormalities and malformations are commonly seen in the eyes of individuals affected by sickle cell anemia. These vessels tend to appear isolated and stunted. It is thought this occurs due to the irregularly shaped sickle cells becoming lodged and accumulating in the microvessels.

In addition, injury to the eye of a sickle cell anemia patient is known to be associated with transient open-angle glaucoma. The irregular vasculature and anemic conditions of the blood in sickle cell anemia can worsen the effect of blunt trauma to the eye. Blunt trauma to the eye of these individuals can induce microscopic hyphema or a collection of blood in the space between the iris and the cornea. Blood leakage into this area can allow it to leak into the trabecular meshwork responsible for draining fluid from the eye. An inability to drain fluid from the eye results in an elevated intraocular pressure, leading to glaucoma.