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Family Screening in Glaucoma: A Scoping Review
Annamalai Odayappan1, Joshua R Ehrlich2, Tos Tjm Berendschot3
1Glaucoma Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, India; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Ophthalmology. Glaucoma
|March 18, 2026
Summary
Glaucoma screening for relatives of patients reveals high prevalence of the disease. Direct communication methods significantly improve screening participation rates among family members.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Family history is a significant risk factor for glaucoma.
- Population-based glaucoma screening faces challenges due to low general prevalence.
- Implementing family screening programs for glaucoma is not yet standard practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of glaucoma in relatives of diagnosed patients.
- To evaluate response rates in glaucoma family screening programs.
- To identify barriers to family member participation in screening.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across multiple databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, etc.).
- Inclusion of studies on primary open-angle glaucoma, primary angle closure disease, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and pigmentary glaucoma.
- Analysis focused on response rates and detection of previously undiagnosed glaucoma in relatives.
Main Results:
- Median glaucoma prevalence among relatives was 11.25%; glaucoma suspects were 19.45%.
- Prevalence varied by relation: offspring (3.4%), siblings (16.2%), and parents (31.6%).
- Direct contact (letters, phone) yielded higher response rates (74.6%, 48%) than indirect methods (12.9%).
Conclusions:
- Over 30% of relatives of glaucoma patients have glaucoma or are suspects.
- Screening programs must prioritize direct engagement with relatives.
- Further research is needed on optimal screening age.
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