Is glaucoma hereditary?
Explore the genetic variants associated with glaucoma and open-angle glaucoma.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and is one of the most common causes of vision loss. Relatives of those affected have elevated risk, and large studies have mapped hundreds of genetic loci linked to the disease.
What the analysis shows
DNAHelper shows which glaucoma-associated variants your raw file contains. The result is a statistical association — not an eye test and not a diagnosis. The analysis is based on the traits glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma (727 associated variants, strong evidence strength).
Which variants matter
Open-angle glaucoma is polygenic — hundreds of loci contribute, many near genes controlling aqueous humour flow, intraocular pressure and the optic nerve's sensitivity. Each variant contributes little.
The most studied loci lie near genes such as TMCO1, CAV1/CAV2 and regions affecting the trabecular meshwork — the eye's drainage system.
What research has actually found
Genome-wide associations with hundreds of thousands of participants have replicated the links. Polygenic scores for glaucoma track real differences in population data — but they shift probabilities, not fates.
Heritability is clearest for open-angle glaucoma; other forms (angle-closure, pigmentary) only partly share the genetic signal.
What matters more than genes
Age is the strongest risk factor, and regular eye-pressure measurements at an optometrist catch the disease early — when treatment works best. That makes screening worth more than genetic prediction.
A 'low' genetic result does not rule out glaucoma, and a 'high' one does not mean you will develop it. Symptoms or family history belong with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Limitations — read this before interpreting the result
This is educational information about statistical associations — not a medical statement, not a health test and not a statement about your health. The analysis is based on the traits glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma (strong evidence strength). If you suspect symptoms, contact healthcare — a predisposition is not a diagnosis.
Privacy: your file never leaves the browser
You pick your raw file locally — it is parsed and analysed entirely in your browser and is not uploaded for the standard analysis. The only exception is the optional DNA Chat feature where you, after explicit consent, can share selected variants. Read the privacy policy · What happens to your DNA file?
Compatible raw files
Works with raw data exports from MyHeritage, 23andMe, AncestryDNA and FamilyTreeDNA (.txt, .csv, .zip). The download guides show exactly where to find the file at your provider — and the file formats are explained here.
Also read: Method & science · All analyses · All traits · Nearsightedness and genes