Familial Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Abstract

Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), also known as chronic simple glaucoma, is usually an inherited disease. Inheritance is considered multifunctional and polygenic. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide, of which POAG is the most common. First-degree relatives of POAG patients are at increased risk. A reasonable risk for siblings is four and twice the risk of the normal population for the offspring, although the number of surveys varies. This case series of eight family members with POAG illustrates the stealth nature of POAG and the devastating vision loss it can cause as it progresses; emphasizing regular and comprehensive eye examinations during its early stage.