Glaucoma is a disease that can damage vision and ultimately lead to blindness, affecting individuals of all races and ethnicities. In its early stages, glaucoma typically has no symptoms. Most people at this point do not know they have glaucoma unless a healthcare professional discovers it during an eye exam.
One of the biggest risk factors for glaucoma is family history of the disease. Having a first-degree relative (a parent, sibling, or child) with glaucoma can elevate disease risk up to 10 times. It is important to detect glaucoma before symptoms arise, as the damage cannot be reversed, and the disease has no cure. Treatment at the early stage can slow or halt progression, preventing irreversible vision loss. Knowledge of one’s family history of glaucoma can lead to earlier detection through appropriate surveillance with an eye care provider.
Who Should Discuss Glaucoma with Family Members?
Alongside a family history of glaucoma, additional risk factors include:
- Older age
- Being of African or Hispanic descent
- Myopia (near-sightedness)
- History of eye trauma
- History of using steroid-containing medications
People with these known risk factors should be particularly attuned to their family history of glaucoma. Those identified as a “glaucoma suspect” during a routine eye care visit because of the appearance of the optic nerve (i.e., “cupping” of the optic nerve), elevated intraocular pressure, or both, should seek out their family history. A positive family history of glaucoma may motivate additional or more frequent testing for the disease.
Conversation Guide
Some people find it challenging or awkward to discuss medical conditions with family members. Family gatherings are a particularly good time to discuss medical history because they can be more casual and multiple relatives may be available and willing to share information. One approach is to say, “I’ve learned that many important health conditions, like glaucoma, can be passed through families. Do you know if you or anyone else in our family has been diagnosed with glaucoma?”
Others may remember that a grandparent, great-grandparent, or other relative was blind in older age. They can use this as a conversation starter: “I remember Grandpa had trouble seeing and had to give up driving when he was older. Do you know what eye disease caused his problems?”
Similarly, some people remember an older family member using eye drops, which can also serve as a starting point. “I remember that Aunt G used eye drops when she got older. Do you know why?”
Sometimes a relative may routinely assist with transportation to medical visits or picking up medications from the pharmacy but may not know the full details of why. This task can serve as the impetus for asking about glaucoma as well. “I love taking you to your doctor visits and picking up your medications because it’s an easy way for me to help you. Do you know whether any of the conditions you’re being treated for can run in families?”
Several challenges can arise with discussing glaucoma with family members. Some families are private and do not discuss health matters. Also, a person with glaucoma may be reluctant to share this information because they do not want to bear bad news, seek sympathy, seem vulnerable to family members, or for multiple reasons. Creating a family culture where this valuable health information is shared can take time and patience.
Unknown Family History
Those who are adopted, do not have living relatives, or are not in contact with family members can seek out routine eye care with a dilated eye exam to help detect glaucoma. Visits may include measurements of eye pressure and evaluation of the appearance and health of the optic nerve. An ophthalmologist may perform additional testing such as peripheral vision testing, imaging of the optic nerve, measurement of the thickness of the cornea (the clear part at the front of the eye), and visualization of the natural drain inside the eye (gonioscopy).
Summary
A family history of glaucoma, particularly in a first-degree relative, elevates the risk of developing glaucoma. People with a known family history of glaucoma should discuss this with their eye care provider so that appropriate testing can detect glaucoma early and reduce the risk of vision loss. For those who already have a diagnosis, discussing glaucoma with family members is an important act of love and empowers family members with knowledge to reduce their risk of vision loss from glaucoma.
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