Having a family history of eye disease can put you at a higher risk for developing one yourself.

Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye diseases can be genetic. For example, having a family member with glaucoma makes you four to nine times more likely to be struck with the disease, which can cause blindness if left untreated.

It is therefore important to know your family history and share the information with the Optometrist. Also let your family members know if you have an eye disease.

If you do have a family history of eye disease it is important to have regular comprehensive eye examinations.