Is Glaucoma Hereditary? Symptoms, Causes, Prevention & Treatments in 2025

Glaucoma is often described as the "silent thief of sight" because it progresses slowly and without noticeable warning signs in its early stages. Worldwide, it is estimated that over 80 million people are living with glaucoma, and this number is expected to rise sharply in the coming decades due to aging populations. What makes glaucoma particularly alarming is that once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

One of the most important questions patients ask their doctors is: "Is glaucoma hereditary?" Understanding whether genetics play a role in this eye disease can empower individuals and families to take proactive steps toward protecting their vision.

What Is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that lead to progressive damage of the optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. When it becomes damaged, blind spots begin to form in your vision.

Why Does This Happen?

Most cases are linked to high intraocular pressure (IOP). Your eyes constantly produce fluid (aqueous humor), which must drain through tiny channels. If this fluid does not drain efficiently, it increases pressure inside the eye, slowly damaging the optic nerve.

But here’s the tricky part: some people develop glaucoma even with normal eye pressure — suggesting that genetics, blood flow, and nerve sensitivity are also key factors.

Main Types of Glaucoma1. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG)

• The most common type.
• Develops slowly and painlessly.
• Heavily influenced by family history and genetics.

2. Angle-Closure Glaucoma

• Caused by a sudden blockage of fluid drainage.
• Symptoms appear rapidly (severe pain, headache, nausea).
• A true medical emergency.

3. Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG)

• Occurs even with "normal" eye pressure.
• Often linked to poor circulation or vascular problems.

4. Congenital Glaucoma

• A rare but serious form seen in infants and children.
• Usually caused by genetic mutations and developmental abnormalities.

What Causes Glaucoma?

Glaucoma has multiple causes and risk factors. While elevated intraocular pressure remains the biggest contributor, doctors now recognize that glaucoma is more complex than just "high pressure in the eye."

Key Risk Factors

• Genetics: Strong hereditary links (we’ll explore below).
• Age: Risk increases after 40; dramatically higher after 60.
• Ethnicity: African and Hispanic populations face higher rates of POAG; Asian populations are more prone to angle-closure glaucoma.
• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues raise risk.
• Eye Injuries: Past trauma or surgery can trigger glaucoma later.
• Corticosteroid Use: Long-term use of steroid eye drops or medications increases risk.
• Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary habits, smoking, and poor diet may worsen progression.

Is Glaucoma Hereditary?

Now to the key question: Is glaucoma hereditary?

Yes — genetics plays a major role in determining whether you’re likely to develop glaucoma. Research shows that people with a family history of glaucoma are 4 to 9 times more likely to develop it than those without.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Multiple gene mutations are associated with POAG. If one parent has glaucoma, children have a significantly higher lifetime risk.
• Congenital Glaucoma: Almost always hereditary, linked to specific gene mutations that affect eye development.
• Normal-Tension Glaucoma: Inherited vascular and nerve sensitivity patterns play a role.

Key Genetic Discoveries

Advances in genetic research in 2025 have identified several genes (like MYOC, OPTN, and CYP1B1) that increase glaucoma risk. These discoveries are paving the way for genetic testing and personalized treatments.