You probably know that you get your eye color and height from your family. But your family’s health history also offers important clues about your own potential health—including the health of your eyes.
Yes, having a family history of glaucoma can increase your risk of developing the condition. At Bethel Vision Care, this is one of the factors we consider when mapping out your eye disease management plan.
The Link Between Your Family History & Glaucoma
Think of your family’s health history as a helpful map for your own wellness journey. If a close relative has glaucoma, this tells you that you might have an increased risk of developing it yourself. This means that you can take appropriate preventative measures, like scheduling regular eye exams, in order to help protect your vision.
Genes From One Parent or Both
The genetic risk for glaucoma can come from your mother’s or your father’s side of the family. In some cases, a combination of genes from both parents can also make you more likely to develop the condition.
More Than Just Genetics
While your family history is a major factor, it isn’t the whole story. Glaucoma is a complex condition, and other factors can contribute to its development. Your genes are just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Different Kinds of Inherited Glaucoma
Glaucoma is not a single disease—it’s a group of conditions that damage the optic nerve. Some forms have a stronger genetic link and can show up at different stages of life.
Glaucoma in Adults
The most common form of glaucoma develops slowly over time, often without any noticeable early symptoms. A family history of this type of glaucoma is a significant risk factor, so you should discuss it during your regular adult eye exam.
Glaucoma at Birth
A rare form of glaucoma is sometimes present when a baby is born. This type of glaucoma typically happens when the eye’s drainage system doesn’t develop correctly before birth, and it’s often linked to inherited genes.
Glaucoma in Children & Young Adults
Another uncommon type of glaucoma can appear in children and people under 40. This form is frequently tied to a specific gene and can cause very high pressure inside the eye.
Other Risk Factors You Should Know
Beyond your family tree, other factors can influence your chances of developing glaucoma. It’s helpful for you to be aware of the full picture of potential risks, as eye care is ultimately part of your overall health.
Your Age & Background
The risk for glaucoma goes up as you get older, especially after age 60. Your ethnic background can also play a role—some populations have a higher risk for certain types of glaucoma.
Other Health Conditions
Some medical issues can increase your risk. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are associated with a higher likelihood of developing glaucoma, which is why diabetic eye exams are so important for monitoring eye health.
What If You’re the First in Your Family?
Sometimes, a person is diagnosed with glaucoma even when they have no known family history. This can happen for a couple of different reasons.
A New Combination of Genes
You might inherit a few “risk” genes from each parent. Even if those genes didn’t cause your parents to develop glaucoma, the combinations of genes that you inherit could raise your own risk of the condition.
Undiagnosed Family Members
Because the most common forms of glaucoma have no early symptoms, it’s possible that your relatives in past generations had the condition but were never diagnosed. An eye exam is often needed to spot these subtle signs.
Early Detection & Your Eye Doctor
You can’t change your genes, but you can take proactive steps to protect your vision. The key is to catch glaucoma early, before it causes significant damage to your sight.
Look for the Signs
While the most common type of glaucoma often has no early warning signs, some types can cause symptoms. It’s good to know what to watch for:
- Gradual loss of side vision
- Blurred vision
- Halos around lights
- Severe eye pain or headache
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam is a reliable way of detecting glaucoma in its early stages. During your visit, an eye care professional can measure your eye pressure, check your optic nerve, and look for signs of damage you wouldn’t notice on your own. A regular check-up with your eye doctor in McAllen helps create a baseline for your eye health, making it easier to spot changes over time.
Knowing your risks is the first step toward protecting your vision for a lifetime. Our team at Bethel Vision Care provides a personalized approach to your eye health, starting with a complete eye examination. Schedule your visit today to get a clear picture of your vision health.
