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Home > Ask the Optician > Could I and my brother get glaucoma if my father has it?

Ask the Optician

Could I and my brother get glaucoma if my father has it?

On 23 January 2012 by Simon Kay

Question

My grandad has glaucoma and my dad has to be tested every year for glaucoma. So what I want to know is if my dad got glaucoma, could me and my brothers get it?

Answer Written answer:
Qualified optometrist Simon Kay BSc(Hons) MCOptom answers this question.

Glaucoma can be hereditary. It doesn't mean that you will necessarily get it, but that you are at a higher risk of developing glaucoma. About two percent of the population over the age of 40 have glaucoma so it is quite common. If you are over 40 you should have regular eye tests, and if you have a close relative with glaucoma, you should have a test every 12 months. If found early, glaucoma is controllable usually with eye drops and usually would not lead to any sight loss.

Optician's Biography

Simon Kay BSc(Hons) MCOptom has been a qualified Optometrist for over 30 years, and has a vast experience of almost all aspects of optometry. He joined Specsavers Opticians in 1993 first in Liverpool and for 15 years as a director of Lancaster and Morecambe. He served on many panels and committees whilst a director, including those responsible for IT design and professional advancement. He was regional chairman of the North West directors of Specsavers for over 12 years and as such was involved in almost all aspects of optometry on a business and professional level. He has been involved on the Local Optical Committee for many years and is currently Vice Chairman in his area.

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