Genetic predisposition to glaucoma: an examination.

Genetic predisposition to glaucoma: an examination.

If you've got a blood relative sporting a glaucoma diagnosis, sit up and pay attention: It's about time for a thorough eye exam.

Now, let's clear the air about some science stuff: While terms like "family history" and "hereditary" are often used interchangeably, there's a fine difference.

"Family history" of glaucoma simply means someone in your family has the condition, which bumps up your odds of getting it, too. But you can have a family history of glaucoma without necessarily sharing a family history of hereditary glaucoma.

"Hereditary (inherited) glaucoma" is a bit more complex. It refers to the genetic components of the condition - genetic mutations passed down from parents to child that boost your risk of developing the disease.

Glaucoma specialists Mary Qiu, MD and Daniel Petkovsek, MD agree that one of the biggest risk factors for glaucoma is family history. So, if a first-degree blood relative has glaucoma, it's wise to get your peepers checked.

Just the Common Types of Glaucoma that Run in Families

First off, the most prevalent type of glaucoma is Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), accounting for 90% of cases. A family history of glaucoma is a major risk factor for developing POAG.

Another type is Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma, where the iris obstructs fluid drainage in your eye. Family history and ethnicity are significant risk factors for this type.

Pigmentary Glaucoma happens when the pigment in your iris breaks free and blocks fluid flow within your eye. Research indicates that several DNA mutations contribute to this condition.

Last but not least is Congenital Glaucoma, a rare, genetic type that's present at birth or develops in early childhood. It's due to gene mutations or specific genetic disorders.

Glaucoma is classified as open-angle and closed-angle, and family history is a risk factor for both types. It's also categorized as primary and secondary.

Primary glaucoma, which can occur without a specific reason and includes genetics, is especially common.

Secondary glaucoma, associated with other conditions or injuries, isn't hereditary. However, conditions like uveitis (eye inflammation) and diabetes might be hereditary, increasing your risk of developing it due to their presence.

Family Matters: Deciphering Your Family History

Getting your relatives to open up about their medical histories can help you gauge your risk for various conditions, including glaucoma. But family histories aren't always accurate, as not everyone discusses their health, or glaucoma might go unnoticed.

In fact, international research suggests that glaucoma often goes undetected everywhere. Sometimes, there are no symptoms at all, and vision loss can be so gradual that you don't even notice, says Dr. Qiu.

Just like discussing your family's health history is essential, so is sharing your glaucoma diagnosis with your relatives. This enables them to keep an eye on their health too.

Reducing Your Risk if Glaucoma Runs in Your Family

Glaucoma can't be prevented or cured, but catching and managing it early can help you keep your peepers in check.

If you have a family history of glaucoma, you might want to start visiting an eye doctor at a younger age than if you didn't. Early eye pressure and optic nerve checks can help you avoid developing glaucoma prematurely.

A comprehensive eye exam at age 40, which includes a glaucoma screening, is recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the American Glaucoma Society (AGS). However, if you have a family history of glaucoma, you may need to begin exams earlier - even at age 35 or younger.

Annual eye exams are essential, but depending on your other risk factors, your ophthalmologist may recommend more frequent visits.

"As long as you stick to your doctor's visits and follow the treatment plan they prescribe, glaucoma is a manageable condition," affirms Dr. Qiu.

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Enrichment data: Hereditary types of glaucoma and their associated risk factors include primary open-angle, juvenile open-angle, normal-tension, and congenital glaucoma. These involve genetic mutations in various genes such as MYOC and OPTN, and inheritance patterns can be dominant, recessive, or X-linked. Key risk factors include elevated intraocular pressure, increasing age, race (particularly African-Caribbean ancestry), and family history of glaucoma.

1. Family history of glaucoma increases your chances of developing the condition, but not necessarily hereditary glaucoma.
2. Mary Qiu and Daniel Petkovsek, glaucoma specialists, acknowledge that a first-degree blood relative with glaucoma warrants a thorough eye exam.
3. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG), accounting for 90% of cases, is significantly linked to a family history of glaucoma.
4. Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma is associated with family history and ethnicity as risk factors.
5. Pigmentary Glaucoma, caused by pigment in the iris blocking fluid flow, has several DNA mutations contributing to its condition.
6. Congenital Glaucoma is a rare, genetic type that's present at birth or develops in early childhood due to gene mutations or specific genetic disorders.
7. Glaucoma is classified as both open-angle and closed-angle, and family history is a risk factor for both types.
8. Primary glaucoma, which can occur without a specific reason, is common and includes genetics as a factor.
9. Secondary glaucoma associated with other conditions or injuries isn't hereditary, but conditions like uveitis (eye inflammation) and diabetes might be hereditary, increasing your risk due to their presence.
10. Discussing family members' medical histories helps you assess your risk for various conditions, including glaucoma.
11. International research suggests that glaucoma often goes undetected, with no symptoms or gradual vision loss that may go unnoticed.
12. If you have a family history of glaucoma, starting eye exams at a younger age can help prevent premature development of the disease.
13. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society recommend a comprehensive eye exam, including a glaucoma screening, at age 40.
14. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you may need to start exams earlier, even at age 35 or younger.
15. With regular eye exams and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan, glaucoma can be effectively managed.

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