Is glaucoma hereditary?

Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes, glaucoma can be hereditary. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you’re far more likely to develop glaucoma.

What types of glaucoma are hereditary?

Both open angle glaucoma and closed angle glaucoma can be hereditary. Open angle glaucoma is the most common type.

Pseudoexfoliative glaucoma is another form of glaucoma linked to high eye pressure that is hereditary.

What are the risk factors for glaucoma?

Risk factors for glaucoma include:

• Age – glaucoma is more common in older patients, especially for those over the age of 50
• High eye pressure – high fluid pressure or intraocular pressure (IOP) in the eye can damage the optic nerve and lead to glaucoma
• Diabetes – those with diabetes are more likely to develop glaucoma as it increases the pressure in the eye
• Race – glaucoma is more common in Afro-Caribbeans
• Family history – if your immediate family members have glaucoma, your chances of developing glaucoma are far higher

How to reduce the risk of glaucoma?

• Detect it early – you can reduce the risk of glaucoma developing by detecting and treating it early. This is best to prevent damage of the optic nerve and the eventual loss of sight. You can detect glaucoma early by getting your eyes tested periodically, with more frequent eye examinations if you’re older. This is especially important if you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma due to the previously mentioned risk factors
• Protect your eyes – make sure to wear protective eyewear when needed; eye trauma can lead to a rapid increase in eye pressure and glaucoma as a result
• Learn your family’s eye health history – find if you have a family history of glaucoma as this increases the risk if you developing glaucoma