What is glaucoma?<br />primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a chronic optic neuropathy that <br />progresses slowly and distinguished by specific patterns of optic nerve damage and visual field loss , is the most common type, a complex and multifaceted disease whose pathogenesis is impacted by both environmental and genetic factors.<br />What are the risk factors for glaucoma?<br />An individual's susceptibility to POAG is a complex disease process that is influenced by a variety of clinical variables, These variables include myopia, age, race, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure (IOP), and a family history of glaucoma . Low corneal hysteresis, low ocular perfusion pressure, low cerebrospinal fluid pressure, anomalies in axonal or ganglion cell metabolism, and disruptions of the extracellular matrix of the lamina cribrosa are other variables that could increase the risk of developing the condition<br />How does diabetes increase the risk of developing glaucoma?<br />Diabetes can exacerbate connective tissue remodeling and amplify these biomechanical changes, This could account for part of the association between DM and POAG , Dysregulation at the trabecular meshwork and the lamina cribrosa, as well as increased IOP and mechanical stress on the optic nerve head, could explain the association between DM and POAG. Hypoxia has been linked to vascular endothelial cell dysfunction and loss of retinal pericytes in diabetic retinopathy, As a result, endothelium function may indicate whether or not the optic nerve cells are receiving enough nutrition.<br /><br />There is still much debate about whether diabetes status poses an increased risk for glaucoma development and progression. Previous research concerning this topic has yielded mixed results .Diabetes/DR may contribute toward glaucomatous optic neuropathy indirectly (either by increasing intraocular pressure or vasculopathy) or through direct damage to the optic nerve, However, certain elements of diabetes may slow glaucoma progression, and diabetic treatment may concurrently be beneficial in glaucoma management. Diabetes plays a significant role in poor outcomes after glaucoma surgery.<br /> The DM may be associated with elevated IOP and thus affect the development of POAG, it was concluded that diabetes, diabetes duration, and fasting glucose levels were associated with a significantly increased risk of glaucoma, and diabetes and fasting glucose levels were associated with slightly higher IOP.<br /><br />How do I protect myself from glaucoma?<br />Get regular eye exams for those with risk factors, as determined by an eye care professional.<br />Wear eyeglasses to protect your eyes from serious eye injuries associated with certain occupations.<br />Manage medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.<br />Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure, being physically active, and avoiding smoking can help prevent vision loss from glaucoma. These healthy behaviors will also help prevent type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions.<br />University of the Future, Iraq's first university."<br />