In the medical community, genetics are studied more than any other science. Genetics help determine the likelihood that a descendant will have the same medical issues and overall features as his or her parent. Based on this research the medical community and insurance companies communicate to determine what factors must be present to allow for performance of certain tests and procedures. We learn about recessive genes, dominant genes, and even dormant genes. Part of the study can help evaluate issues like eye health, dental health, and mental health, as well as general physical health. In regards to eye health, even if both parents and all grandparents and siblings have poor eye health which require corrective lenses, that does not necessarily indicate that you will have poor eye health. The genetics relating to eye health is quite baffling and can be difficult to fully understand.
Are All Vision Problems Hereditary?
When looking at eye health, there are many avenues to consider. For instance, general eye health may simply relate to near or farsightedness, whereas others may relate to issues like glaucoma. Statically speaking, Even if both of your parents are near or farsighted, you only have a 33% chance of being either near of farsighted. If only one of your parents has one of these issues, you have a 20% chance of having this issue. Yet, if neither parent has this issues, you still have a less than 5% chance of being either nearsighted or farsighted.
On the other hand, if you have a parent with glaucoma, you have a much higher likelihood of developing the same disease as you age. The same can be said for age related macular degeneration. These are considered eye diseases which, like heart disease and cancer, may have a genetic marker present in your DNA strand. This does not mean you are guaranteed to inherit these traits, but your likelihood is much higher than someone who does not have these markers.
Issues Affecting Eye Health
The truth is, many issues can lead to poor health of the eye. Some ae genetic. However, the fact still remains that people who do not come from others with eye disease or poor eye health can still develop both. These people can attribute this poor eye health to environmental factors and a little to the idea that genetics is not always the end all be all of health. Some factors that contribute to poor eye health include too much screen time, excessive reading, staring directly into the sun with the naked eye, and eye injuries caused by external factors. All of these environmental factors, and more, can contribute to your failing eye health as easily, if not more so, than any genetic factors.
The key is to be mindful of your eyes. You must get regular eye exams to stay on top of your eye health and ensure you will continue to see the world around you clearly. If corrective lenses are prescribed, make sure to wear them as prescribed, or risk your eye health worsening at a much quicker than average pace. If you are ready to keep your eyes healthy, contact the eye experts at Rittenhouse Eye Associates today!
