Your genetics are responsible for a variety of positive things including your good looks, your DNA makeup, your fast working metabolism, and more. But genetics also contribute to a variety of conditions that aren’t as positive, including genetic eye diseases. What are genetic eye diseases and how can they be avoided? This article will discuss a few of the most prevalent genetic eye diseases and what you need to know about them. Read on to learn more.
Are All Eye Diseases Genetic?
When it comes to childhood blindness, over 60% of cases are caused by genetic factors. These eye diseases include ocular malformations, congenital glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and atrophy of the optic nerve. Additionally, genetics also factor into adult-related eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. However, not all eye diseases are genetic. In fact, some eye diseases aren’t related to genetics at all.
How Can Eye Diseases Be Passed Down?
Depending on the type of eye disease, it may be recessive, meaning that your parents could have an eye disease, but they won’t pass it onto you. However, to really determine what kind of eye diseases run in your family’s history, DNA tests will have to be performed.
There are some specific eye diseases that individuals are genetically predisposed to. For instance, macular degeneration, glaucoma, myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus all fit into this category. Additionally, there are some predisposing factors that also contribute to these eye diseases such as diabetes.
There are some things that you can thank your parents for (a roof over your head, your college tuition, and that healthy smile) but there are other things, like eye diseases, that may make you wish you had some different genes. By understanding your family’s medical history, Wilkinson Eye Center can help analyze what, if any, eye diseases you may be predisposed to. If you would like to learn more or if you would like to schedule an appointment, contact Wilkinson Eye Center today!
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