Glaucoma Inheritance: Understanding Risk & Genetic Factors

Glaucoma is not inherited in a simple dominant or recessive pattern.

Some forms of glaucoma are inherited in patterns such as autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked, but many cases of glaucoma occur due to combinations of genetic and environmental factors.

Because of the complex inheritance pattern of glaucoma, affected individuals should talk to a genetic counselor to better understand their risk of passing on the condition to their children.