Can bad eyesight be inherited?

A trend can often be seen across individual families when it comes to refractive errors in parents and children.

Myopia and hyperopia can affect certain members of a family while others retain perfect vision. This is due to complex patterns of inheritance involving dominant and recessive genes.

The gene pool

Your genetic makeup determines whether you will be predisposed to suffering from a refractive error.

Dominant and recessive genes play a part in genetic eye problems, so if one or both parents suffer from a refractive error, it becomes a bit of a genetic lucky dip as to whether you will suffer from one too.

Myopia is particularly hereditary, but environmental and behavioral factors are also thought to be driving forces behind the condition.

External factors that contribute to refractive errors

Modern day living has pushed the functional ability of the human eye to new levels, mainly due to increased levels of air pollution as well as the everyday use of technology.

Both these environmental and behavioral factors are linked to increased eye strain which in turn contribute to an increase in refractive errors.

Those already suffering from myopia, hyperopia and/or astigmatism may find the gradual decline of their eyesight happening more rapidly because of an over reliance and over use of computer screens, mobile phones and other similar technology.

How does laser eye surgery correct genetic refractive errors?

Laser eye surgery is one of the most popular elective surgeries in the world, thanks to its minimally invasive procedure that allows for quick natural healing and permanent results.

All refractive errors relate to how the eye focuses light on the retina at the back of the eye. The cornea is responsible for bending light that enters the eye (refraction), so when the cornea is irregularly shaped or the curvature of the cornea is incorrect, refraction cannot take place correctly.

Laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea by removing tiny amounts of tissue from the cornea so that light can bend correctly in the eye.

A permanent solution to faulty DNA

Laser eye surgery corrects inherited refractive errors in one quick painless treatment. There is virtually no down time so you can get back to your daily routine almost immediately. Optilase clinics offer a no obligation, free consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for life-changing laser eye surgery. Call today on +353 1 223 8821 or visit /book-your-free-consultation/