Glaucoma: a family affair?
Submitted by Eye Didn’t Know Blog
Did you know? Ophthalmologists routinely inquire about a family history of glaucoma, as it has long been known that glaucoma can run in families (the exact genetics are not known for most glaucomas, though). A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology compared the eye pressures of identical twins and non-identical twins. (Twin studies are a classic way of determining the role of genetics vs. environment). The study determined that genetics explained approximately 2/3 of the variability of eye pressure, while environmental factors explained approximately 1/3. This is a remarkable finding. Choose your parents well!
Did you also know? If you have a family history of vision loss from glaucoma, this study provides more reason to see an ophthalmologist at regular intervals, and remind your ophthalmologist of your family history.
(photo: twin girls: wikimedia commons)
