Most people can tell you if diabetes, heart disease, or other conditions run in their family. Far fewer can say the same about eye disease, yet several of the most common causes of vision loss in Australia have a strong hereditary component.
Glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy can all run in families. If a parent, sibling, or child has been diagnosed with one of these conditions, your own risk is higher than average, and it often changes how frequently you should have your eyes checked.
Which eye conditions run in families?
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is sometimes described as an inherited condition that runs in families. According to Glaucoma Australia, having a parent, sibling or child with glaucoma makes you significantly more likely to develop it yourself, and that risk is higher again if the affected relative has advanced glaucoma. Because glaucoma usually develops slowly and without symptoms, family history is often the clearest early warning sign available, as the disease itself may not announce itself in time.
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in Australia, and family history is one of its major risk factors. The Macular Disease Foundation Australia notes that having a parent or sibling with AMD substantially increases your own risk of developing it. Many people are unaware of this hereditary link until a family diagnosis prompts them to ask.
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Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy develops in people with diabetes when high blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina. Duration of diabetes and blood sugar control are the biggest drivers of risk, but research also points to a genetic component. Studies have found that people with a family history of diabetic retinopathy, not just a family history of diabetes generally, face a meaningfully higher risk of developing it themselves, independent of how well their diabetes is managed.
Why family history changes your monitoring schedule
For healthy adults with no particular risk factors, an eye test every one to two years is generally considered a reasonable baseline. Family history moves that timeline forward. Optometrists commonly recommend annual comprehensive eye exams rather than waiting two years for people with a close relative diagnosed with glaucoma, AMD or diabetic retinopathy, because:
- These conditions often progress with no noticeable symptoms in their early stages.
- Vision lost to glaucoma or advanced AMD generally can’t be recovered.
- Earlier detection gives far more treatment and management options.
- Risk can appear well before the age at which these conditions are typically expected to occur.
If a close relative was diagnosed at a younger-than-typical age, some optometrists will also suggest starting your own monitoring earlier than general population guidelines recommend.
How to gather your family's eye health history
A conversation is usually enough. Before your next appointment, try to find out:
- Which eye conditions (if any) your parents, siblings or children have been diagnosed with
- Roughly what age they were when diagnosed
- Whether anyone in the family has experienced significant vision loss and, if so, why
- Whether any relatives have diabetes, since this affects your own risk of diabetic retinopathy
It’s worth having this conversation with family members even if no one has been formally diagnosed: a relative who “just has trouble seeing at night” or “gave up driving early” may be describing undiagnosed glaucoma or AMD.
What to tell your optometrist
Bring your family history to every comprehensive eye exam, not just the first one. New diagnoses in the family can change your risk profile over time. It helps to mention:
Which relatives are affected and their relationship to you (parent, sibling, child)
- The specific condition, if known
- Their approximate age at diagnosis
- Any relevant medical history, such as diabetes
Your optometrist will use this information to decide whether additional tests such as optic nerve imaging, visual field testing, or a dilated retinal exam are appropriate, and how often you should be reviewed going forward.
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Start Free Checklist TestWhen should you arrange an eye exam?
Routine care: If you have a family history of glaucoma, AMD or diabetic retinopathy, ask your optometrist directly what testing schedule is appropriate for you. This is usually more frequent than the general two-year guideline.
Prompt assessment: Book an appointment for any new or unexplained changes in vision, even mild ones. Early symptoms of these conditions can be subtle and easy to dismiss.
Emergency care: Sudden vision loss or a painful red eye with blurred vision needs immediate medical attention. Go to the nearest emergency department or call triple zero (000).
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Find an OptometristFamily History of Eye Conditions FAQs
Does a family history of eye disease guarantee I'll develop it too?
No. Family history increases risk, but it doesn’t mean the condition is inevitable. It does mean more frequent monitoring is worthwhile so that any early signs are caught quickly.
My relative has diabetes but has not been diagnosed with eye disease. Does that matter?
Yes. A family history of diabetes is relevant to your own risk of diabetic retinopathy if you develop diabetes, and it’s worth mentioning to your optometrist.
How much more often should I be tested if I have a family history?
This depends on the specific condition, your age and other risk factors, so it’s best confirmed with your optometrist, but annual exams rather than every two years are a common recommendation.
What if I don't know my family's eye health history?
Tell your optometrist what you do know, even if it’s incomplete. It’s still more useful than no information, and you can update them as you learn more.
