Poor eyesight varies from person to person because they have different definitions. Some people define poor eyesight as anything below the average vision which is 20/20, while for some they say it is anything that requires you to have prescription glasses.
There are a lot of factors that contribute to poor eyesight which includes environment and lifestyle. There are many cases where bad eyesight is inherited. It is important to have an eye exam to determine the causes of poor eyesight.
These are the following eye conditions that are hereditary and known to affect vision as time goes by:
- Astigmatism
- Farsightedness
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Nearsightedness
- Retinitis pigmentosa
- Strabismus
Genetic Eye Conditions
It is better and safer to say that you can inherit bad eyesight. You need to be aware of the conditions that have been found to run in families which causes bad eyesight.
Astigmatism is one of the most common refractive errors that cause blurry vision in adults and even children. It occurs because of the abnormal corneal form that keeps light from concentrating on the retina. Astigmatism can emerge as early as infancy and can also be genetic.
Farsightedness or hyperopia is a refractive error that gives you trouble in reading items up close. Family history of the condition plays a role in farsightedness.
Glaucoma is the main reason behind vision loss in Americans. If you are using medications that can elevate eye pressure or have any family members who have glaucoma, you have a higher chance of developing the condition.
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that has a high risk for blindness. The American Optometric Association (AOA) stated that having macular degeneration in the family makes you more likely to develop vision issues after age 40.
Nearsightedness or myopia is a refractive error that gives you trouble viewing items with distance. If your parents are nearsighted, you are at risk for nearsightedness.
Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exam
Many people tend to neglect to visit their eye doctor because they think that their eyes are doing just fine. There are eye conditions that do not present symptoms. The only way to detect underlying eye conditions is through an eye exam. A comprehensive eye exam will be performed which is a primary step to know the problems that are present and what you are at risk of.
Some eye conditions can improve if given the right treatment but some can worsen as time goes on. Therefore, it is important to consult an eye doctor to learn more about the condition of your eye.
