Vision researchers are trying to understand what causes glaucoma, a disease that mostly affects older people and can cause blindness. Upstate's Vision researchers are trying to understand what causes glaucoma, a disease that mostly affects older people and can cause blindness. Upstate's Audrey Bernstein, PhD Audrey Bernstein, PhD, says genetic components likely play a role, along with age-related cellular changes or environmental factors. She is studying some cellular similarities glaucoma has with other age-related degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases., says genetic components likely play a role, along with age-related cellular changes or environmental factors. She is studying some cellular similarities glaucoma has with other age-related degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases.