Glaucoma and Family History: Who’s at Risk?
If a close relative has glaucoma, your own risk is meaningfully higher. Because glaucoma is usually symptomless until vision is lost, knowing your family history is a powerful early-warning tool.
How strong is the family link?
Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma significantly increases your risk — for some types, several-fold. Glaucoma can run in families even when no one realised they had it.
Other risk factors to know
- Age over 40, rising with each decade
- Raised eye pressure
- High short-sightedness or diabetes
- Previous eye injury or long-term steroid use
What to do
If glaucoma runs in your family, have regular eye examinations that check eye pressure, the optic nerve and your field of vision — even if your sight feels perfect. Detected early, glaucoma is very manageable.
Frequently asked questions
Should my children be screened if I have glaucoma?
Relatives of someone with glaucoma benefit from regular checks. Your specialist will advise when to start and how often.
If glaucoma is in my family, will I definitely get it?
No — increased risk is not certainty. Regular monitoring means that if it does develop, it can be caught and controlled early.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace consultation with an eye specialist.
Related: Glaucoma Treatment · Glaucoma: the silent thief of sight · Eye pressure: what’s normal · Book an appointment
This article is for general awareness and does not replace a consultation with an eye specialist.
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