How important is it to be tested for glaucoma if it runs in the family?

Really important: After 40, you should be tested every year even with no family history.

Once a year, or more: Glaucoma usually comes on later in life, even with a family history. Once a year checkups are generally sufficient. This should include intra-ocular eye pressure (iop) checks, but more importanly a thorough optic nerve evaluation - as often glaucoma can begin without initial high iop. If there is any glaucoma suspicion based on appearance of optic nerves or iop more frequent checks are recommended.

Once a year, or more: Family history is just one of several risk factors for glaucoma. Nearly all other risk factors can be detected only by a thorough eye exam (corrected entry).

Screening eye exam: It is best to obtain a screening eye exam to see if there is any suspicion for glaucoma so that a baseline could be established and then an intervention could take place early if progressive optic nerve damage is uncovered. Relevant family history is immediate family members.