The Role of Genetics in Myopia: How Family History Affects Your Risk

Myopia has become increasingly common worldwide, especially among children and adolescents. While lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen time and less time spent outdoors play a role in the rise of myopia, genetics is a significant factor too. Family history can impact one’s likelihood of developing myopia, meaning that if myopia runs in the family, it’s essential to be proactive in managing eye health.

Understanding Myopia and Its Causes

Myopia occurs when the eye shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. This condition often develops in childhood and can progress into adulthood, particularly in cases of high myopia, which increases the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma and retinal detachment.
 

Myopia is influenced by both environmental factors and genetics. Lifestyle habits, like prolonged close work (reading, screen use), are believed to influence myopia's development. However, genetics is another key component.
 

How Family History Affects Myopia Risk

Research indicates that myopia is heritable, meaning it can be passed down from parents to children. Studies suggest that if one parent is myopic, a child’s risk of developing myopia doubles compared to children without a myopic parent. If both parents have myopia, the risk may be even higher.
 

This genetic predisposition likely stems from variations in certain genes that influence eye growth and development. For instance, genes related to eye shape, axial length (the distance from the front to the back of the eye), and corneal curvature can all affect whether a person develops myopia.
 

Why It’s Important to Know Your Family History

Knowing your family’s history of myopia can empower you to take preventive steps for yourself and your children. Early detection and management of myopia are crucial to reducing the risk of severe progression and potential complications, such as myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment, that can arise with higher degrees of myopia.
 

Steps to Manage Myopia If It Runs in the Family

While you can’t change your genetic predisposition, there are effective strategies to help manage myopia and slow its progression:
 

1. Regular Eye Exams: Routine eye exams allow for early detection and management. Children with a family history of myopia should start seeing an eye doctor regularly from an early age.
 

2. Encouraging Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that spending time outdoors, particularly in natural sunlight, can help slow the progression of myopia in children. Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily for children to help reduce the risk.
 

3. Limiting Screen Time and Close-Up Work: Excessive close work, like reading or using digital devices, can strain the eyes and potentially accelerate myopia. Encouraging children to take frequent breaks (20 seconds every 20 minutes) can ease eye strain.

4. Myopia Management Treatments: For children and adults at higher risk due to family history, myopia management treatments may help control progression. These include specialized contact lenses, such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, multifocal lenses, and low-dose atropine eye drops, which are known to slow myopia progression.
 

Take Charge of Your Family’s Eye Health

While genetics play a significant role in myopia, lifestyle and proactive eye care can make a difference in managing its progression. For families with a history of myopia, regular eye exams and incorporating myopia management strategies are essential steps to protect your family’s vision.
 

If you have questions about myopia, or preventive measures, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Nuwave Vision to discuss your family’s eye health and explore options to keep your vision clear and strong for the future. Visit our office in Westlake, Ohio, or call (440) 881-0002 to book an appointment today.