Glaucoma - How and Why ?

[liam1093]

My father was diagnosed with glaucoma roughly 5-6 years ago. The glaucoma was quite rapid, and is uncurable. The best doctors can do is slow down the process of him losing his sight. He has been in hospital on countless occasions, and has had many serious operations.

I've heard Glaucoma is genetic. Being the anxious individual i am, i am somewhat cautious as to whether or not i will be affected by Glaucoma. As of what is known at the present time, no other family members have had Glaucoma. I've heard also that Glaucoma can be caused by a variety of different conditions/diseases.

What i would like to know is whether or not i am at serious risk of inheriting Glaucoma, and how i will be able to tell if, touch wood, i ever do develop the condition.

Note - I have a seperate blood-type to that of my father. If that is worth anything i am not sure.

I appreciate any assistance/advice anyone can provide.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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[EyeSurgeon]

Hi,
Glaucoma is a progressive disease and genetic transmission varies according to type of it. Environmental factors, mutations at genes, other diseases, race etc... affect the possibility. Several studies found different results, but mainly, first degree relatives have 3-15% risk of developing glaucoma in their eyes.
Knowing this and having aunlucky history of your father's eyes, you should get your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist, and early diagnosis saves optic nerve fibers. Hope your father's eyes get better.