An estimated 300,000 Australians have glaucoma. However, the number of people at risk of developing the disease could be much higher.
The reason lies in one simple question: “Is glaucoma hereditary?”
In many cases, yes. Once thought to be a degenerative disease, glaucoma is now considered one of the most heritable conditions. Recent studies have linked more than 100 genes to glaucoma or elevated eye pressure, and research is ongoing.
However, family history is only one part of the picture. Age, overall health, and other risk factors can also influence whether glaucoma develops. And while glaucoma in the family does not mean you will definitely get the condition, it does make regular eye examinations with a glaucoma specialist in Perth especially important.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma refers to a progressive eye disease that damages the optic nerve, usually due to increased pressure within the eye. This is known as intraocular pressure, or IOP. It often results from a build-up of fluid inside the eye when normal drainage becomes impaired.
As glaucoma damages the vital connection between your eye and brain, it can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. In fact, glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide.
The challenge with glaucoma is that it typically develops slowly and without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Up to 50% of people are unaware they have the condition until significant vision loss has already occurred.
There are two main types of glaucoma:
1. Open-Angle Glaucoma
This is the most common form. It develops gradually as the eye’s drainage system becomes less efficient over time, causing pressure to increase slowly.
2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This type occurs when the drainage angle of the eye rapidly becomes blocked. It can cause a sharp rise in eye pressure accompanied by pain, nausea, blurred vision, and eye redness, and requires urgent medical attention.
Other types of glaucoma appear less often:
- Low-tension glaucoma, when optic nerve damage occurs in people with ‘normal’ eye pressure
- Congenital or juvenile glaucoma, a rare form caused by an abnormal drainage system
- Secondary glaucoma brought on by an injury, inflammation, or cataracts
Because glaucoma often progresses silently, routine ophthalmologist examinations are the most reliable way to detect it early. Book an examination with Murdoch Eye Centre, led by Perth glaucoma specialist Dr Phillip McGeorge, if you are concerned about your vision or glaucoma risk.
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Eye Health Under the Microscope: Is Glaucoma Hereditary?
Genetics plays a major role in your risk of developing glaucoma. Scientists have identified more than 100 genes linked to glaucoma or raised intraocular pressure. Research shows that people with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) with glaucoma may be up to 10 times more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Some rarer inherited mutations can cause severe or early-onset glaucoma. However, the more common adult glaucoma usually results from a combination of many smaller genetic variations as well as secondary factors like age and health.
However, heredity doesn’t mean glaucoma is inevitable. Many people with a family history never develop the condition. What it does mean is that regular eye examinations with a glaucoma specialist in Perth are important, particularly after age 40. Any early changes can be detected and treated before vision is affected.
Other Risk Factors for Glaucoma
Although genetics plays an important role, family history is only one of several risk factors. Other factors that can increase your likelihood of developing glaucoma include:
- Advancing age, particularly over 40
- Persistent migraines
- Diabetes or high blood pressure
- Long-term use of steroid medications
- Previous eye injury, myopia, or surgery
These factors can influence how fluid drains from the eye or how resilient the optic nerve is to pressure changes.
Can Glaucoma Be Treated?
While there is currently no cure for glaucoma, it can be effectively managed to prevent further vision loss. Glaucoma treatment in Perth focuses on lowering the pressure inside the eye to protect the optic nerve.
There are several treatment options depending on the severity and type of glaucoma.
Prescription Eye Drops
Eye drops are often the first line of treatment. They work by either reducing the amount of fluid produced in the eye or improving drainage to lower intraocular pressure.
Laser Treatment
Laser procedures can help improve the drainage of fluid within the eye, reducing pressure and slowing disease progression.
Surgical Treatment
For more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to create new drainage pathways or improve fluid flow.
At Murdoch Eye Centre, we provide glaucoma treatment in Perth tailored to each patient. Our specialists carefully assess the stage of the disease and design individualised plans aimed at preserving vision for the long term.
Life After a Glaucoma Diagnosis
Being diagnosed with glaucoma can feel overwhelming, but many patients continue to maintain excellent vision for decades with the right care and monitoring.
Successful management usually involves:
- Using prescribed eye drops consistently
- Attending regular follow-up appointments
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Managing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension
- Protecting your eyes from excessive UV exposure
Glaucoma management is generally lifelong. But with proper treatment and monitoring, the condition can be kept under control.
Why Choose Murdoch Eye Centre for Glaucoma Care?
When it comes to protecting your vision, experience and technology matter.
Under the leadership of Dr Phillip McGeorge, one of Australia’s most experienced eye surgeons, Murdoch Eye Centre is recognised as a trusted provider of glaucoma treatment in Perth. The combination of expert diagnosis, advanced care, and personalised management means greater success and comfort for glaucoma patients.
Our clinic provides:
- Experienced ophthalmologists and glaucoma specialists
- Advanced diagnostic technologies such as OCT imaging and visual field testing
- Accurate eye pressure measurement and optic nerve assessment
- Evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient
Early detection is key. With regular professional eye examinations, glaucoma can often be identified long before it affects your vision.
Protect Your Vision with Early Care From Perth’s Glaucoma Specialists
Glaucoma is hereditary, but “hereditary” does not mean “hopeless”. With early detection, careful monitoring, and appropriate treatment, most patients successfully protect their vision.
If the risk factors apply to you, or you are experiencing vision changes, the team at Murdoch Eye Centre is here to help. Book an appointment with our glaucoma specialists in Perth to get personalised advice and peace of mind.
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