Glaucoma
If a parent has glaucoma, what is my risk?
Having a parent, brother or sister with glaucoma raises your risk several times over compared with someone with no family history, and the risk is higher still for people of African ancestry. It does not mean you will develop it. It does mean you should have a glaucoma check from about 35 years of age, and repeat it as advised.
Why glaucoma runs in families
Glaucoma is influenced by many genes rather than one, and relatives often share features that matter, such as the shape of the optic disc, the anatomy of the drainage angle and the tendency for pressure to sit higher. Family members also share environment and general health conditions like diabetes.
What to do about it
- Tell your eye clinician exactly who in the family is affected and at what age they were diagnosed
- Start glaucoma checks from around 35 years, or earlier if a relative was diagnosed young
- Encourage brothers, sisters and adult children to be checked too, because their risk is the same as yours
- Attend review appointments even when your vision feels perfect
What a positive family history does not mean
It does not mean you have glaucoma now, and it does not mean you will follow the same course as your relative. Many people with a strong family history never develop it, and those who do usually keep useful sight when it is detected early and treated consistently.
Frequently asked questions
- Should my children be tested?
- Adult children should be checked from about 35 years, or sooner if you were diagnosed young. Children need assessment only if there are specific concerns about their eyes.
- Is there a genetic test?
- Routine genetic testing is not used for common glaucoma. Examination, pressure measurement, imaging and visual fields remain the practical way to detect it.
Concerned about these symptoms?
Arrange an eye examination with our consultant ophthalmologist in Garki, Abuja.
Care at Standard Eye
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Return to all glaucoma answers.