Glaucoma Inheritence

Is glaucoma inherited?

Glaucoma tends to run in families, but only some glaucoma patients have affected relatives. If you have glaucoma, your close relatives (parents, siblings or children) should have a regular glaucoma test every year which includes ophthalmoscopy, tonometry and perimetry, once they reach the age of 35 years, or earlier if they are subject to other risk factors, such as being of African-Caribbean origin, or having diabetes or myopia (short sight).

People with a close blood relative who has glaucoma are at a minimum of four times increased risk of developing the condition which is why early detection is so important as treatment is more effective when the glaucoma is detected early.