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Genetics Eye Diseases: What You Need to Know
Have you ever noticed why most of your family members have poor eyesight or why some are undergoing treatment for eye disease? Many factors contribute to hereditary eye conditions — genetics can greatly affect eye health and the possibility of developing certain eye issues.
This blog helps you understand the genetic factors behind various eye conditions and shows how you can take preventive measures to ensure proper eye care.
Understanding Hereditary Eye Conditions
When discussing hereditary eye conditions, it is crucial to understand the roles of genes and DNA. A gene is the basic physical and functional unit of heredity and is made up of DNA.
Hereditary, on the other hand, refers to traits or conditions that are genetically transmitted from parent to offspring.
It is important to note that while both genetic and hereditary diseases are determined by mutations in our DNA, not all genetic diseases are transmitted down the family line (Moreno, 2022).
What is hereditary optic neuropathies?
Hereditary optic neuropathies (HON) are genetic conditions that damage optic nerves and, in some severe cases, lead to vision loss. Some of this damage remains permanent, while some cases progress over time.
HON includes two primary types: Dominant Optic Atrophy and Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
- Dominant Optic Atrophy classifies as a neuro-ophthalmic condition that usually occurs in the first decades of life. It is first experienced as vision loss but can progress over time.
In DOA patients with symptoms besides their eyes (e.g., hearing loss, muscle weakness), vision loss may become severe over time.
Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, another type of hereditary optic neuropathy, is mostly experienced during late childhood and early adulthood. People who have this condition commonly experience blurry visions that quickly escalate over time. As a result, they become legally blind in months due to this hereditary eye condition.
Currently, there is no cure for hereditary optic neuropathies. Several clinical trials have been conducted in an attempt to discover remedies.
Although unproven, avoiding drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco suggests that it may reduce your risk of acquiring these conditions.
Hereditary eye conditions
More than 350 genetic eye diseases are classified as hereditary eye conditions. Here are some examples:
- Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in people over age 60. However, early treatment can prevent vision loss from this condition. Genetic disorders can contribute to a significant increase in the risk of developing glaucoma.
- Retinitis Pigmentosa – is a group of rare eye diseases that affect the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye).
It is a genetic eye disease that people are born with. Symptoms usually start in childhood, and most people eventually lose sight as it spreads. It can cause night blindness and peripheral vision loss.
- Cataracts – Although often associated with aging, radiation exposure, or eye surgery, cataracts can also be a hereditary eye condition. This condition clouds the lens of the eye, making it difficult to read, drive, and see clearly.
- Myopia – Commonly known as nearsightedness, myopia causes nearby objects to appear clear, while distant objects look blurry.
If your parents are nearsighted, you are more likely to be nearsighted too. However, you can still be nearsighted even if your parent isn’t. Being nearsighted involves several factors, with genetics being just one.
Preventing eye conditions
Although you can’t prevent genetic conditions, you may lower your risk by following preventive measures.
- Use UV-blocking eyeglasses or protective eyewear when playing sports or doing certain activities.
- Eye check-up can also play a vital role in early detection of eye disease.
- Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses, and clean them with a solution to prevent infection.
You can detect Genetic eye diseases early. If you often encounter eye discomfort or similar things, you may opt to know the reasons behind it by consulting an eye care professional. You can avail free eye check-up at the nearest Executive Optical around you.
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