Genetic eye diseases are eye disease that can be transferred from parents to their children, including common vision problems like Myopia (nearsighted), Hyperopia (farsighted), Astigmatism, Strabismus (crossed eye), Amblyopia (blurry vision in one eye), Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Diabetic retinopathy.
Genetic eye conditions can be developed in childhood or later in life.
Just because you have a family history of an eye disease does not mean it is going to affect you.
It is still important to take certain steps to decrease your potential risk.
Consider the following tips:
Get regular eye exams:
Regular eye exams can help you know your eye health condition even before serious symptoms develop. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent vision loss in some cases.
Don’t smoke:
Smoking is bad for your eye health. If you are genetically at an increased risk of an eye disease, smoking increases your risk more.
Exercise:
Exercise is good for your overall well-being and also your eye health. Doing all you can to keep your eyes healthy helps reduce your risk of eye problems.
Wear sunglasses:
Exposure to UV rays (radiation from the sun) increases your risk of eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses.
Conclusion
Many eye diseases and conditions run in families, and some can lead to blindness. While you can’t control hereditary eye diseases, you can manage how you treat them.
Protect your eyes early and schedule an eye exam at Legazpi Eye Center!
References
First Eye Care (2019). How Family History Affects Your Vision. Retrieved from: https://www.firsteyecaredfw.com/how-family-history-affects-your-vision/
KADRMAS Eye Care (2019). Knowing Your Family Eye Health History. Retrieved from: http://www.kadrmaseyecare.com/eye-health–care-blog/knowing-your-family-eye-health-history