Glaucoma is an eye disease that leads to damage of the optic nerve. This condition can cause permanent vision loss. Some people who are at increased risk of getting it are individuals who have family members who have it. If you have a family history of glaucoma, you should talk to your optometrist about the risk of getting it.
There is a strong hereditary component to most types of glaucoma. Based on several studies and experts, glaucoma is familial. Because of the link between glaucoma and family history, people with family members with glaucoma usually have a lot of questions. This is reasonable considering the damage the disease can cause. Here are three questions a person with a family history of glaucoma can ask an optometrist.
Family history is a risk factor for glaucoma. A child may not necessarily get it, but it increases the chances. Other people at increased risk of developing glaucoma are people who have certain conditions such as diabetes, myopia, and high blood pressure; those who are of Asian, African, or Hispanic heritage; and those who are over the age of 40. People with these risk factors are usually advised to have their eyes examined regularly to look for the disease.
A significant number of people with glaucoma have a positive family history. People with a sibling who has glaucoma are especially at risk of developing glaucoma, but that person may not know of the disease. Blood relatives are also at increased risk.
One way that a glaucoma patient can reduce vision loss from the condition is by making sure that family members understand they are at increased risk. The individual should suggest screening to close family members. This may include getting their eyes checked by an optometrist. This is important because it will help in the early detection of the disease. As a result, it can be treated in its early stages.
If it is not treated, glaucoma may cause permanent damage. People can lose their vision. Once someone's vision is lost, it cannot be restored. The best way a person can protect their eyes is by getting regular exams and seeking treatment if glaucoma is detected.
For some people, the topic may be hard to bring up, but it will help their family members significantly. Bringing it up at family gatherings is recommended. It will help all the family members to get the news in one place, and valuable information may also be gathered and shared when multiple family members are present. Family members should be aware of the risks they may face.
Let us go over some frequently asked questions about glaucoma:
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve, which carries information from your eye to your brain. This destruction can lead to vision loss or blindness. Glaucoma typically occurs when the fluid pressure inside your eye increases.
Anyone can develop glaucoma, but certain groups of people are at greater risk. These include people over age 60, African Americans, and people with a family history of glaucoma.
Glaucoma usually has no early symptoms. This is why it is vital to have regular eye examinations so that glaucoma can be detected early and treated. Once glaucoma damage has occurred, symptoms may include vision loss, tunnel vision, or seeing halos around lights.
Glaucoma cannot be healed, but it can be controlled. Treatment typically involves medications to lower eye pressure. In some cases, surgery treatments may also be necessary.
There is no sure way to avert glaucoma, but you can help reduce your risk by having regular eye examinations and controlling other risk factors such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
The two primary types of glaucoma are open-angle and angle-closure. Open-angle is the most common type and usually develops slowly, without any symptoms. Angle-closure is less common but more severe and can lead to a sudden increase in eye pressure that can damage the optic nerve quickly.
Although glaucoma cannot be prevented, its development can be slowed down with early treatment. People should have regular eye exams. When it is detected early, it can usually be controlled with medications like eye drops. Surgery may be recommended if glaucoma does not respond to medication. If you want to find out more about the risk of getting it, contact your optometrist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dry eye treatment is important when occasional irritation becomes ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily activities. Many individuals experience dryness, burning, or a gritty feeling in the eyes from time to time. However, when symptoms start to affect reading, screen use, or time outdoors, a structured approach to diagnosis and care helps protect comfort and…
Myopia control focuses on slowing the progression of nearsightedness, primarily in children and teens, to help protect long-term eye health and day-to-day vision. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea curves too steeply, which causes distant objects to appear blurry. As the prescription increases, the risk of future eye disease also…
Retinal photography gives optometrists a detailed view of the back of the eye. When done regularly, they are often able to spot early signs of disease before symptoms affect daily vision. This advanced imaging tool helps create a clear record of eye health over time and supports smarter decisions about treatment and follow-up care. Learning…
Red, itchy eyes can affect your everyday comfort and reduce overall well-being. It is important to seek effective vision care from the first sign of irritation. Proper attention to symptoms, underlying causes, and healthy habits ensures stronger long-term eye health and greater day-to-day clarity. Redness and itchiness often stem from several common triggers. These include: Allergic…
Myopia control refers to a group of treatments designed specifically to slow the worsening of…
Dry eye treatment is important when occasional irritation becomes ongoing discomfort that interferes with daily…
Retinal photography turns a routine eye exam into a powerful opportunity to protect vision for…
It is important to seek effective vision care from the first sign of irritation.
New spots or shadows drifting across vision can be unsettling, and sudden changes sometimes require…
Glaucoma treatment plays a vital role in preserving vision and protecting the optic nerve from…
