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Is glaucoma hereditary? What families should know

When one person in a family is told they have glaucoma, the next question is often, "What about the rest of us?" It is a good question. Glaucoma gives little warning, and a family history is one of the clearest signs that someone should be checked. This guide explains what the family link means and what relatives should do. For glaucoma care at ReNew Vision, see glaucoma check-up and treatment in Vasco.

Does glaucoma run in families?

Yes. Glaucoma is more common in the close relatives of people who have it. Large studies have found that having a parent, brother or sister with glaucoma raises a person's risk several times over, with brothers and sisters at the highest risk. Both main types run in families:

• Open-angle glaucoma, the slow, silent type.
• Angle-closure glaucoma, where a narrow drainage angle can close. The shape of the eye that leads to a narrow angle tends to run in families, and it is more common in people of Asian origin, including Indians.

A family history raises the risk; it does not decide it. Most relatives of people with glaucoma never develop it, and many people with glaucoma have no known family history. Age, eye pressure, diabetes, the shape of the eye and other factors all play a part.

Who in the family should be checked?

• Brothers and sisters: the highest-risk group. They should be checked soon, at any adult age.
• Children (adult sons and daughters): from about 40, or earlier as advised.
• Parents: if they have not had a recent eye check, especially if they are over 60.
• Grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins: a smaller rise in risk, but a complete eye check-up from 40 is wise for everyone anyway.

Glaucoma can appear in some relatives and not in others, and it can seem to skip a generation. Any blood relative with glaucoma is worth mentioning to the eye doctor.

From what age should family members be tested?

For most adults with a parent or sibling with glaucoma, a first check from about 40, or earlier. If your relative was diagnosed young, start earlier; the eye doctor will advise. Childhood glaucoma, which is rare, also runs in some families. If a parent or sibling had glaucoma as a baby or child, a newborn in the family should have an eye check early; ask the baby's doctor.

How often should relatives be checked?

Usually every one to two years from the first check, or more often if the eye pressure is raised, the drainage angle is narrow or the optic nerve looks suspicious. The eye doctor sets the interval for each person.

What does the check include?

1. Your history, including who in the family has glaucoma, which type and at what age it was found.
2. Vision and spectacle power.
3. Eye pressure test; see normal eye pressure.
4. Drainage angle check, to see whether the angle is open or narrow.
5. Optic nerve examination, often after dilating drops.

If a visual field test is needed, it is not done at ReNew Vision; the eye doctor will tell you and explain the next step, and can go through the results with you here.

Is there a genetic test for glaucoma?

A few genes linked to glaucoma are known, and in some families they explain the pattern. But genetic tests are not part of routine glaucoma care, and a normal genetic test would not mean you are safe. For family members, the eye check is what matters.

What can be done if I have a narrow angle?

A narrow drainage angle found at a family check can often be treated before it causes an attack, with YAG laser iridotomy: a tiny opening made in the edge of the iris with a laser, so that fluid can flow around the narrow area. It is done at ReNew Vision. Know the signs of an angle-closure attack, because they need treatment within hours: sudden severe eye pain, a red eye, blurred vision, haloes around lights, headache and vomiting. Read what are the symptoms of glaucoma?

What should I do if I have just been diagnosed?

• Tell your brothers, sisters and adult children, and suggest they have a check-up.
• Write down the type of glaucoma you have, so that relatives can tell their eye doctor.
• Never share your glaucoma eye drops. They are prescribed for your eyes; they do not prevent glaucoma in someone else and can cause side effects.
• Keep using your own drops and keep your follow-up visits.

Can family members come together?

Yes. Many families find it easier to bring two or three relatives on the same day. Tell us when you call how many people are coming, so that we can plan the time. Dilating drops take a while to work, so allow extra time for each person, and none of them should drive home. Families coming from further away, such as Ponda, Margao or Karwar, can find travel tips on coming to ReNew Vision from another town.

Booking a family glaucoma check

ReNew Vision Eye Hospital, 2nd floor, Pai Hospital building, Vaddem Merces Road, Vaddem, Vasco da Gama. Eye OPD Monday to Saturday, 4 pm to 7 pm. Call or WhatsApp 072489 88039. A complete eye check-up from 40 is a good habit for everyone; see eye check-up in Vasco.

Questions patients ask

Is glaucoma genetic?

Partly. Glaucoma runs in families, and a few genes are known, but it is not passed on in a simple way. Age, eye pressure, the shape of the eye and other factors matter too. Most relatives of people with glaucoma never get it.

My father has glaucoma. When should I get tested?

Have a complete eye check-up with an eye pressure test and an optic nerve examination from about 40, or earlier if your father was diagnosed young. The eye doctor will tell you how often to come back.

Can children get glaucoma?

Yes, but it is rare. A baby with unusually large or cloudy eyes, constant watering and discomfort in light needs an urgent eye check. If childhood glaucoma runs in the family, ask the baby's doctor about an early eye check.

Does glaucoma skip a generation?

It can seem to. Glaucoma can appear in some relatives and not others, in any generation. Mention any blood relative with glaucoma to the eye doctor.

Can I use my parent's glaucoma eye drops to prevent glaucoma?

No. Glaucoma drops are prescribed for a particular eye, they do not prevent glaucoma and they can cause side effects. Have your own eye check instead.

This page is general eye-health information, not personal medical advice. Your eye doctor advises you after examining your eyes.