Contraceptive Pill Use Doubles Glaucoma Risk

Does birth control double your risk of glaucoma? Unfortunately, according to a recent study women on birth control pills for more than three years are 'twice as likely' to develop eye disease that can cause blindness if left untreated.

Dr Shan Lin, an ophthalmologist at the University of San Francisco presented the details of a study at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting in New Orleans on Monday, where he stated that long-term use of the contraceptive pill appeared to raise the lifetime risk of glaucoma. In the study, 231 women who had spent more than three years on the pill had been diagnosed with glaucoma.

Scientists are not sure whether the pill can cause glaucoma directly, and the latest study did not distinguish between different types of pill. But the general consensus was that women who used birth control pills for three or more years have double the risk of developing glaucoma later in life.

You can read the original article by Ian Sample, science correspondent, on how long-term contraceptive pill use doubles glaucoma risk published in TheGuardian.com. 

 According to doctors, women at risk to have regular checks for early signs of the disease. If the disease is caught in time it can usually be treated with eye drops.

As you know, each 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore location has an independent optometrist on site. No appointment is needed but we do ask that you come in 15 to 20 minutes prior to your preferred appointment time to fill out the required paperwork. You can also schedule your appointment online if you prefer. 

Do not delay and get yourself (and your loved ones) screened for glaucoma TODAY.