Is Myopia (near-sightedness) Genetic?

Myopia is also referred to as short-sightedness or near-sightedness. This is an eye disorder and not an illness. For the vision to be clear, the light from the image that we see should fall on the retina. However, in myopia, it falls in front of the retina. This causes blurred vision for objects at a distance. Nearer objects will be clear, depending on the level of the retinal disorder.

Myopia is because, the eyeballs are too long. In very rare cases, the eye lens is too strong. So, this is a refractive error. To get my myopia corrected, I filtered all the Vision Centers Near Me and, chose the most experienced eye care professionals. If correct lenses are not used, the disorder gets worsened. Those images that were clear before will start to appear blurred. Sooner the corrective measures are adopted, the better.

Genetic influence on myopia

Research has concluded that if one of the parents is myopic, the child has 1.5 times more chance to be myopic, than the child with non-myopic parents. If both the parents are myopic, then the risk increases to three times. Also, the level of refractive error in parents, will heavily influence the development and refractive errors in the child.

Research is divided into two sections – family studies and twin studies. The study between twins indicate that around 75% to 95% probability, in inheriting myopic genes. However, this study can overestimate the results, as the twins under study, share the same environmental factors.

In case of family studies, the environmental factors are varied and dispersed. Here, the results indicate 50% to 60% probability in inheriting the myopic genes. Further analysis, integrating these two studies says 71% probability of inheritance.

Environmental influence on myopia

Environmental factors have a considerable influence on the condition. The most common reason is the habit of focussing too close to the eyes. Also, with the recent generations, it is observed that children are having lesser outdoor activities.

Natural sunlight helps in higher secretion of neurotransmitter dopamine. This prevents excessive elongation of eyeballs. This leads to prevention of myopia. If the child is on natural, low glycaemic foods like, cereals, pulses, dairy products and fruits, probability of occurrence of myopia is reduced.

Conclusion

The last few decades have seen an increase of myopic patients, especially due to the excessive use of computers. It is better to use computers that involve technology, to keep our eyes safe. However, the best practice is to ensure a healthy diet and as much as outdoor activities possible for the growing kids.

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