What is the primary risk factor for developing open-angle glaucoma?

Age is the primary risk factor for developing open-angle glaucoma due to the natural progression of changes that occur in the eye as individuals get older. With advancing age, there is an increased likelihood of optic nerve damage and elevated intraocular pressure, which are key factors in the development of this condition. The risk of open-angle glaucoma significantly increases after the age of 40, and the prevalence continues to rise with each decade of life. This is thought to be related to cumulative damage or changes in the eye's drainage system and overall ocular health.

While factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history also contribute to the risk of glaucoma, they are not considered primary risk factors when compared to age. For instance, individuals with a family history of glaucoma are at greater risk, but the connection is often intertwined with age as a significant factor that can further exacerbate genetic predispositions. Similarly, while systemic hypertension and diabetes can influence ocular health, they do not carry the same level of risk for developing open-angle glaucoma as aging does.