Can Vision Problems Be Genetically Linked?

As someone who has to wear glasses or put on contacts, do you sometimes wonder why you have to use them in the first place? Whether you don’t eat the right kind of food or think you inherited it from your parents, the answer to your question varies depending on several factors.

Which Eye Conditions Are Often Inherited?

Although research is still ongoing, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are inherited in most instances. Researchers have also found genetic links for other eye conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, strabismus, amblyopia and color blindness. Nearsightedness and farsightedness also have a strong genetic component, which means if a child’s parents have either of these conditions, you can expect the child to have the same as well.

Other Influencing Factors

If you’re curious about your family’s vision history and how it may impact your child, you’ll gain more insight when you have yourself checked by trusted eye doctors. Not all eye conditions are genetically linked, but you can prevent your children from developing them if you bring them in for a routine eye exam. It can be done safely and easily with modern technology and child-friendly tools.

Some of the most common environmental factors that lead to ocular problems include overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you’re not too careful, these can cause macular degeneration, cataracts and even cancer. Smoking is also an influencing factor that can lead to vision loss and other eye diseases. In fact, people who are into this habit are four times more at risk of going blind than those who don’t. 

Insight Vision Center Optometry is one of the most trusted eye care centers in the area providing quality eye care to its customers. Give us a call at (714) 486-3315 to set up an appointment! You can also fill out our convenient online contact form. We serve Costa Mesa and Newport Beach, CA, and the rest of Orange County.