Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
Yes, glaucoma can run in families. If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your risk is up to ten times higher than average.
Research has revealed strong links between specific gene mutations and glaucoma. We do not yet fully understand how these mutations damage the optic nerve. But the evidence is clear: family history of glaucoma is a major risk factor.
This is why glaucoma screening matters, especially if you have a first-degree relative with the disease.
Glaucoma Runs in Families
Having a parent or sibling with glaucoma raises your risk almost tenfold. The risk is even higher if your identical twin has the disease.
Doctors recommend regular eye checks for anyone with a family history of glaucoma. This is especially important if a family member has had glaucoma surgery or lost vision to the disease.
If you have glaucoma, tell your family. Encourage them to get a comprehensive dilated eye examination. Early detection can prevent vision loss.
Early-Onset Glaucoma Is Often Hereditary
Most forms of glaucoma in infants, children, and young adults are inherited. Three main types are worth knowing.
Primary Congenital Glaucoma
This affects children from birth to three years of age. It is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide.
Mutations in the CYP1B1 and LTBP2 genes are the known cause. CYP1B1 mutations are found in children with glaucoma across the world, they are especially common in the Middle East and Central Europe.
The inheritance pattern is autosomal recessive. Both parents may carry the mutation but show no signs of glaucoma. A child who inherits one copy of the abnormal gene from each parent may develop the disease.
Developmental Glaucoma
This affects children older than three years. It develops because the eye does not form normally before birth.
Associated genes include PITX2, PITX3, FOXC1, FOXE3, PAX6, LMX1B, and MAF. These mutations follow an autosomal dominant pattern. This means just one copy of the mutated gene can cause glaucoma. Up to half the children in an affected family may inherit the condition.
Juvenile Glaucoma
A mutation in the myocilin (MYOC) gene can cause glaucoma in people under 35 years of age. It is also autosomal dominant.
A parent with this form of glaucoma has a 50% chance of passing it on to each child.
Age-Related Glaucoma Can Also Be Hereditary
Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)
POAG is the most common type of glaucoma. No single gene causes it. Instead, several gene variants each raise the risk slightly. Known variants include CDKN2B-AS, SIX1/SIX6, TMCO1, and CAV1/CAV2.
Because POAG often has no early symptoms, a family history of glaucoma is one of the most important reasons to get screened, even when your vision seems fine.
Normal-Tension Glaucoma
The CDKN2B-AS gene and a region on chromosome 8 are both linked to normal-tension glaucoma. In this type, optic nerve damage occurs even when eye pressure is in the normal range.
Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma
Variants of the LOXL1 and CNTNAP2 genes are associated with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. This type is linked to deposits of abnormal material in the eye and tends to progress faster than POAG.
Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma (PACG)
PACG is the second most common form globally. It is especially prevalent in South and East Asia. Genetic variants near PLEKHA7, PCMTD1/ST18, and COL11A1 are associated with this type.
Glaucoma Genetics and the Future of Treatment
Our understanding of glaucoma genetics is growing fast. It is not yet advanced enough to drive all treatment decisions. But the future looks promising.
- Genetic testing is already available for some early-onset forms. It helps with early diagnosis and family counselling.
- Gene therapy research may one day offer personalised treatment for patients with specific mutations.
- Personalised glaucoma risk scores, based on your genetic profile, may become part of routine screening in the future.
What Should You Do If Glaucoma Runs in Your Family?
Do not wait for symptoms. Glaucoma often causes no pain and no blurring in its early stages. By the time you notice vision loss, significant damage may already have occurred.
If you have a family history of glaucoma, book a comprehensive eye examination with a glaucoma specialist. Early detection is the best way to protect your sight.
If you have glaucoma and are looking for guidance, or if you want a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment, Dr Shibal Bhartiya is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist at Gurugram. She offers expert consultations and is available for second opinions, including for patients outside Gurgaon.
Glaucoma Genetics and the Future of Glaucoma Therapy
Our knowledge about glaucoma genetics and its inheritance is still not as comprehensive as to result in major treatment decisions. That said, the future holds great promise as the hereditary aspect of glaucoma is studied more and more.
- As on date, genetic testing is already available for some forms of
early-onset glaucoma. This can help in early diagnosis and genetic counseling
for parents-to-be. - Even though there are no genetic treatments available currently,
there is hope. Gene therapy may offer personalized treatments for those
patients with genetic mutations. - While it is not available as on date, in time, it may be possible
to offer patients personalized glaucoma risk assessments and/or treatments.
Read the research articles
This article has been written by Dr Shibal Bhartiya, a glaucoma specialist in Gurgaon known for ethical, patient-centred glaucoma care and independent glaucoma second opinions. She is also a research collaborator with Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
Edited in March 2026
She has published peer-reviewed research on glaucoma laser and surgeries, examining how treatment decisions should balance medical evidence, patient preferences, and long-term vision outcomes.
These peer-reviewed article discussing glaucoma treatment are benchmarks for glaucoma surgeons globally, and can be accessed on PubMed and Google Scholar
If you would like a structured glaucoma risk assessment or second opinion:
+91 88826 38735
drshibalbhartiya.com
