Common Hereditary Eye Issues

Like many biological traits, issues related to eyesight can be passed from parent to child through genetics. Some may be minor, such as nearsightedness. Others, like cataracts, can lead to permanent blindness.

Genetic Vision Problems

There are hundreds of common vision issues passed through genes. Some are noticeable as soon as birth, while others may not be discovered until later in life. For example, color blindness may only be noticed when a child is learning to identify colors for the first time.

While not all of these problems are always genetic, the most common vision issues are:

• Strabismus (crossed-eyes)
• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Myopia (nearsightedness)
• Hyperopia (farsightedness)
• Astigmatism
• Color blindness

Disease

Like basic vision issues, eye diseases can be revealed right away when a child is born or much later in life. Some of the more common eye diseases are:

• Congenital (present at birth) cataracts
• Congenital glaucoma
• Retinal degeneration
• Optic atrophy
• Eye malformations
• Retinitis pigmentosa (night blindness and vision loss)
• Strabismus (ocular misalignment)

Treatment

Some hereditary eye issues can be treated, either semi-entirely (for example, eyeglasses), entirely (Lasik eye surgery or medication), or not at all (retinal degeneration).

If you have concerns about a vision issue with you or your child, an early diagnosis can speed up the discussion about assessments and possible treatments.

Schedule An Eye Exam With Gould Vision

Gould Vision specializes in the treatment of dry eyes and other eye diseases. Gould Vision has provided quality eye care to thousands of patients. With the persistence of our founder and head optometrist, Dr. Adina Gould, our state-of-the-art Miami Beach facility was completed in August 2009. Our centrally-located office also serves the nearby areas of Surfside, Bay Harbor Islands, and South Beach, Florida.

Need An Eye Exam? Call (786) 462-9500 To Schedule An Appointment With Our Miami Beach Eye Clinic!