Causes of Normotensive Glaucoma One of the perplexing issues facing physicians is that increased pressure is not present in all cases of glaucoma-caused eye damage. Mechanisms, other than pressure, may cause excess glutamate that over-excites and destroys optic nerve fibers. Other factors that might cause normotensive glaucoma include reduced blood flow, early nerve cell death, and irritation of the nerves. Medical Conditions . A number of diseases, particularly diabetes, can promote the development of glaucoma.
Some evidence points to a link between hypothyroidism and open-angle glaucoma.
Others disorders associated with glaucoma include leukemia, sickle cell anemia, and some forms of arthritis. Physical injury can cause glaucoma. Corticosteroids, commonly called steroids, are known to increase pressure in the eye by interfering with outflow. It has long been known that topical steroid treatments in the eye increase the risk. Recent studies now report that taking high doses of the inhaled form of steroids for more than three months increases the risk for glaucoma slightly.