Surreal illustration depicting glaucoma and confident mobility.

Worried About Falls? How Glaucoma Severity Could Be a Factor

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the link between vision loss from glaucoma and an increased fear of falling. Learn what you can do to stay safe and maintain your quality of life."

Falls are a major concern for older adults, leading to injuries, reduced mobility, and a decreased quality of life. But what if a seemingly unrelated condition like glaucoma could also increase your risk of falling, or at least, increase your fear of falling?

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, affects vision by gradually damaging the optic nerve. This can result in loss of peripheral vision and, in severe cases, overall visual impairment. This visual loss can significantly impact a person's balance and spatial awareness, potentially increasing their risk of falls.

Recent research has revealed a significant link between the severity of visual field defects caused by glaucoma and an increased fear of falling. Understanding this connection is the first step towards taking proactive measures to protect your safety and well-being.

The Glaucoma-Fear Connection: What the Research Shows

Surreal illustration depicting glaucoma and confident mobility.

A study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science investigated the relationship between glaucoma and fear of falling. Researchers followed nearly 400 participants with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) alongside a control group of individuals without the condition. They assessed the severity of glaucoma using visual field tests and evaluated fear of falling through questionnaires.

The results revealed a clear trend: as the severity of visual field defects increased, so did the prevalence of fear of falling. Specifically:

Individuals with mild glaucoma had a slightly higher, though not statistically significant, risk compared to the control group.
Those with moderate glaucoma were 2.3 times more likely to experience fear of falling.
Participants with severe glaucoma faced a 4.1 times greater risk.

This suggests that the degree of vision loss, rather than simply having glaucoma, plays a crucial role in increasing anxiety about falling. This is important because early detection and management of glaucoma can slow its progression.

Taking Control: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk

If you have glaucoma, understanding the link between vision loss and fear of falling empowers you to take proactive steps. Here's what you can do:

Prioritize regular eye exams: Early detection and management of glaucoma are crucial to slowing its progression and preserving your vision. Stick to your prescribed treatment plan, including eye drops and follow-up appointments.

Address fear of falling directly: Talk to your doctor about your concerns. Physical therapy, balance exercises, and environmental modifications in your home can significantly reduce your risk of falls and improve your confidence. Don't let the fear of falling limit your activities. By taking proactive steps, you can maintain your independence, quality of life, and overall well-being.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1167/iovs.13-12079, Alternate LINK

Title: The Association Between Visual Field Defect Severity And Fear Of Falling In Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Investigative Opthalmology & Visual Science

Publisher: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

Authors: Kenya Yuki, Sachiko Tanabe, Keisuke Kouyama, Kazumi Fukagawa, Miki Uchino, Masaru Shimoyama, Naoki Ozeki, Daisuke Shiba, Yoko Ozawa, Takayuki Abe, Kazuo Tsubota

Published: 2013-11-21

Everything You Need To Know

How does glaucoma actually increase my risk of falling?

Glaucoma can increase the risk of falls because it damages the optic nerve, leading to loss of peripheral vision and overall visual impairment. This vision loss impacts balance and spatial awareness, which can increase the likelihood of falls or the fear of falling. The risk increases with the severity of the condition. Early detection and proper glaucoma management are therefore critical.

What does research say about the link between glaucoma severity and fear of falling?

Research indicates that as visual field defects from glaucoma worsen, so does the fear of falling. A study in *Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science* showed that individuals with moderate glaucoma were 2.3 times more likely to experience fear of falling, while those with severe glaucoma faced a 4.1 times greater risk. This suggests that the degree of vision loss is a key factor.

What type of glaucoma was studied to determine the risk of falling and are there other types?

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) was studied. Researchers assessed the severity of visual field defects and used questionnaires to evaluate the participants fear of falling. It's important to note that the study focused on POAG, and the results may not be generalizable to other types of glaucoma without further research. Future studies could look at angle-closure glaucoma or secondary glaucomas.

What can I do to reduce the risk of falling if I have glaucoma?

Managing glaucoma is crucial for reducing the fear of falling. Regular eye exams can help in early detection and monitoring of glaucoma progression. Treatments like eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery can help to slow down vision loss. Addressing the vision loss associated with glaucoma, directly tackles the anxiety about potential falls. Also, one should consider fall-prevention strategies like home modifications or physical therapy.

How can the connection between glaucoma and falling affect my overall quality of life?

The connection between glaucoma and falls can significantly impact quality of life by causing injuries and reduced mobility. Fear of falling can lead to decreased physical activity, social isolation, and depression. Recognizing and addressing both the vision loss from glaucoma and the fear of falling are important for maintaining independence and overall well-being. This is an area where ophthalmologists, primary care physicians, and mental health professionals could collaborate to improve patient outcomes.