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What is the role of genetics in glaucoma

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Eye conditions are usually serious eye conditions that show up with some sort of signs and symptoms people used to ignore in its initial stage and urge for treatment while they are becoming a serious condition. Glaucoma is of serious eye condition that has to be treated promptly to avoid vision loss. According to the studies, glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, millions are people are living with this. This condition mainly affects the optic nerves that are solely responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. If you look into the causes behind the condition, one of the most significant causes is genetics. In that case, understanding the link between glaucoma and genetics is important, so that you can stay away from the risk factors and also help in knowing the advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of glaucoma.

What is glaucoma?

In common glaucoma is considered to be one condition but the fact is glaucoma is not a single disease it is a group of eye conditions. The worst part about glaucoma is it is a progressive eye condition in that case when it is not treated properly there the damage to the optic nerve is continuous and leads to permanent vision loss.  The most common form of glaucoma is primary open-angle glaucoma in this condition the intraocular pressure gradually increases which simultaneously leads to optic nerve damage. Other type of glaucoma includes angle-closure glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. All type of glaucoma requires a proper treatment for your vision goodness. 

Glaucoma does not have any kind of age restriction it can affect any age people and other factors also have a contribution but genetics plays a crucial role in their development. If you are a person with a family history that indicates you are at higher risk of glaucoma development.

How do genetics influence glaucoma risk?

Studies have revealed that genetics and glaucoma have a link and if any of your family members are shown to have glaucoma there is a substantial risk of developing glaucoma in you. That is, if a parent or sibling has glaucoma in that case an individual is at higher risk of about four to nine times compared to a person with no family history of glaucoma. 

Research on the link between glaucoma and genetics has revealed there are several genes that are directly associated with this condition. Some of these genes influence eye development, intraocular pressure regulation, or optic nerve health. In some cases the mutations in these genes may also affect the normal eye function, leading to increased IOP, optic nerve damage, and eventually glaucoma.

Genetic testing and early detection

Through the genetic test you can identify the development of glaucoma in its early stage when the condition is able to diagnose earlier period that could be prevented or their progression could be stopped. Glaucoma usually doesn’t show up in its earlier stage so proper eye examination and genetic tests could help you in their identification.

Get your glaucoma consultation

Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that should be treated from its earlier stage even though it is not identified in an earlier period from the day of diagnosis prompt treatment and medications are required to slow down or stop the progression rate. When any of your family members is glaucoma positive it is essential to get regular eye examinations for everyone in the family that could help in development or underlying asymptomatic glaucoma. Visit the nearby branch of The Eye Foundation. and get your eye consultation to prevent the development of glaucoma in the future.

Get the best care for your eye with us. Schedule your appointment today for expert and personalized treatment.

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