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Home > Ask the Optician > Is glaucoma hereditary?

Ask the Optician

Is glaucoma hereditary?

On 3 March 2011 by Nigel Best

Question

My grandmother has glaucoma, does this mean I'll get it too?

Answer Video and written answer:
Qualified optometrist Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO answers this question:

About 1 person in every 50, over the age of 40, has glaucoma. People with a family history of glaucoma are at greater risk of developing the condition, as are Afro-Caribeans and those who are very short sighted. Just because your grandmother has glaucoma does not mean that you will also develop the condition, but it is important to have regular eye examinations, particularly as you get older, to identify any problems, should they occur, at an early stage.

For more information about glaucoma, see our video below:

Optician's Biography

Nigel Best BSc (Hons) MCOptom FBCLA FAAO has worked as an optometrist at Specsavers for 18 years. He is currently the Director of Specsavers Optometrists in Darlington and Richmond (N.Yorks), a College of Optometrists supervisor and a member of the Optometry in Practice editorial board. He has written papers published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and regional training events. He has written a number of contributions to optical and medical publications for the public, including sections on eyes and eye diseases for a Reader’s Digest guide.

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