More frequent exams may be needed if you have eye disease. If you have any changes in your vision. You should have a dilated eye exam if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Glaucoma People with diabetes are almost twice as likely to develop glaucoma than are people without diabetes. The longer someone has had diabetes, the more common glaucoma is.
Risk also increases with age.
Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up in the eye. In most cases, the pressure causes drainage of the aqueous humor to slow down so that it builds up in the anterior chamber. The pressure pinches the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina and optic nerve. Vision is gradually lost because the retina and nerve are damaged. There are several treatments for glaucoma.