Family history is one of the strongest risk factors for glaucoma—having a parent, sibling, or child with the disease can increase your risk by up to 10 times. In this episode, Dr. Inas Aboobakar explains the role of genetics and family history in glaucoma, what and when to share with relatives, and how to encourage glaucoma eye exams. You’ll also learn about practical resources to help families take proactive steps together.

Open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma are the two most common forms of glaucoma, but they differ in causes, risk factors, and treatment approaches. In this episode, ophthalmologist Dr. Andrew Smith explains the key differences and similarities between these types of glaucoma, who is most at risk, and how each is treated. Learn what these distinctions mean for diagnosis, care, and protecting your long-term vision.

Glaucoma care is evolving, and eye drops are no longer the only path forward. In this episode of Glaucoma Chats, Dr. Mehul Nagarsheth explains how earlier diagnosis can open the door to modern, less invasive treatment options. He will also share a roadmap for the newly diagnosed, including what steps to take after a diagnosis and options for early interventions that can save sight.

Living with glaucoma often means navigating complex information and unanswered questions. In this chat, Dr. Poonam Misra, a glaucoma specialist and fellowship co-director at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, will address some of the most common questions listeners have shared over the past year—from treatment options and lifestyle considerations to the latest educational resources.

Dry eye and glaucoma often occur together, but there are practical solutions that can help. Join Dr. Astrid Werner to learn what causes dry eye, how to recognize the symptoms, and effective treatment options—including preservative-free drops, artificial tears, and eyelid care routines. This discussion will also address common concerns about how glaucoma medications interact with dry eye and what steps you can take to protect your comfort and vision.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Dr. Lucy Q. Shen as we explore cutting-edge research into restoring vision loss from glaucoma. From optic nerve regeneration to promising advances in stem cell and gene therapies, this episode will examine where science stands—and where it’s headed—in the quest to reverse glaucoma damage.

Don’t wait for vision loss to act. Join Dr. Amy Zhang of the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center for a conversation about the benefits of a proactive approach to glaucoma care, including innovative treatments like minimally invasive surgery, continuous drug delivery systems, and at-home eye pressure monitoring. Learn how early intervention can preserve sight and improve quality of life.

National Glaucoma Research, a BrightFocus Foundation program, is supporting 38 active research grants around the world. Learn about some of these groundbreaking research projects and how they are advancing earlier detection, risk reduction, treatments, and, ultimately, a cure for glaucoma.