Every individual is unique and built by countless choices and experiences. While our environments truly mold and shape us, our genetics still form the basic foundation of our bodies. Height, weight, hair and eye color, temperament, and even many of our natural talents are all significantly influenced by heredity. This begs the question: “Is poor eyesight genetic, as well?” The short answer is “Yes,” but that’s not quite the whole story. We’ve chosen to explore just how dependent eyesight is, not only on genetics, but external influences, as well.

Eyesight and Genetics

Like most components of our health, how well (or how poorly) we can see is the result of several contributing factors. That said, studies conducted over the past few decades suggest that genetics have a significant influence on our eyesight throughout our lives. 

The genetic code handed down from our parents and grandparents has been found to be positively correlated with eyesight quality. This means having just one parent with nearsightedness automatically increases your likelihood of experiencing similar issues, raising your chances of developing myopia to about one in five. Moreover, having two parents with this condition will raise your chances of this condition to about one in three. 

Similar results can also be found when observing the effect of genetics on farsightedness, and scientific research suggests that those with astigmatism, glaucoma, color-blindness, and age-related macular degeneration in their family are several times more likely to suffer from these conditions themselves. Taken together, these figures indicate that family history and eyesight are almost inseparable. 

Beyond Genetics

However, this is where things become complicated. While genetics play a major role in how likely you are to have a specific eye condition, the fact of the matter is our DNA is merely one contributing factor among many. The emerging field of study known as epigenetics considers various factors which act upon or beyond pure genetics. These tend to be external or environmental influences which affect development, such as stress, toxins, and amount of exercise. 

It may come as a surprise that these external influences can be just as important as your family history when it comes to eyesight. For example, overexposure to harmful ultraviolet rays, tobacco smoking, significant dietary gaps and malnutrition, injury, and even dehydration can all negatively impact healthy vision. Such habits may also trigger or aggravate any condition you were already genetically predisposed to, evoking an issue that may never have appeared otherwise. While nobody intends to reduce the quality of their eyesight on purpose, many of these factors may not be well-understood or appreciated. Good health doesn’t simply happen overnight—it takes a sincere and conscious effort to preserve one’s fitness and wellbeing today and moving forward. 

Maintain your eyesight by eating a balanced diet, exercising at least twice weekly, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, avoiding illicit drugs, and curbing alcohol consumption. Also, try to minimize participation in hazardous activities which may damage the eyes, or at least wear protective gear as often as possible. Furthermore, it’s imperative to schedule regular checkups and eye exams with an optometrist or other trusted healthcare professional. Healthy habits such as these will go a long way in reducing your risks and ensuring you can quickly address any concerns as soon as they arise. 

Genetics may form the basic foundation of our physique, but it’s never too late to begin a healthy lifestyle. The earlier you cultivate healthy habits, the better you are likely to feel and the more long-term benefits you will experience. Unfortunately, a genetic predisposition to many eye-related conditions may be difficult to overcome; however, they are not necessarily guaranteed to develop at all. If you’re concerned about genetics, poor eyesight, or eyecare in general, we hope you’ll reach out and contact us. We’d love to help you protect your health and eyesight for many years to come.