Eye health is also inherited

We know we can inherit eye color, eyelash length, or even the shape of our eyebrows. But eye health can also run in the family. Many conditions that affect our vision have a genetic origin.

Knowing our eye health history and taking early action can make a difference in slowing the progression of certain conditions—or even in detecting them before the first symptoms appear.

Genetically based eye diseases

Some refractive errors, such as myopia, and more complex eye conditions, like glaucoma or keratoconus, can have a significant hereditary component. That’s why our specialists emphasize the importance of paying attention to these cases and taking action early.

• Refractive eye errors: Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism
  
  Myopia already affects a quarter of the adult population. It has a clear genetic component, especially when one or both parents are nearsighted, although modern habits—such as excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activity—also contribute to its development.
  
  Hyperopia, on the other hand, is a condition that causes blurred near vision and, in some cases, distance vision as well. It often has a hereditary origin and is more likely to occur when there is a family history. A similar pattern is seen with astigmatism, a defect in the curvature of the cornea that distorts vision and is also commonly passed down through genetics.
  
• Glaucoma
  
  This condition is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness and can progress silently for years, making early detection difficult. It often has a strong genetic component. In fact, if a close family member has had it, the risk of developing it increases tenfold. Moreover, there are hereditary forms of glaucoma, such as:
  
  • Congenital glaucoma, which typically appears at birth or in early childhood
  • Juvenile glaucoma, which is diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 20 years

• Keratoconus
  
  This disease causes the cornea to become thinner and take on a cone-like shape, severely affecting vision. It often progresses rapidly, especially when it appears at an early age, making early detection crucial. Knowing if there is a family history can help identify early or subclinical cases and prevent complications, especially in individuals considering refractive surgery.
  
• Hereditary retinal dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa
  
  Retinitis pigmentosais a rare diseaseaffecting 1 in every 3,000 people, butitistheleading cause ofgeneticblindness in adults. It progressively damages the light-sensitive cells in the retina, especially the rods, initially affecting peripheral and night vision. Over time, it can also compromise central vision. Although multiple genetic mutations cause it, a family history is not always present. Early detection allows for intervention before the disease progresses.

Thanks to genetic diagnosis, it is now possible to detect some of these hereditary diseases—which mostly affect the retina—early on. At Miranza, this study, performed using a blood sample from the patient and their family members, complements clinical tests and allows us to understand how the disease is inherited, that is, the pattern of inheritance

If the inheritance is dominant, one parent has the condition and can pass it on to half of their children. If it is recessive, both parents are carriers without symptoms, and the disease only appears if both pass on the mutated gene. If it is linked to the X chromosome, it is usually the mother who transmits it, but male children are the ones who develop the disease.

Dr. Esther Pomares, Miranza’s R&D coordinator, explains that “thanks to genetic diagnosis, we can identify the cause of more than 50 hereditary eye diseases. This not only confirms what we observe in consultations, but also allows us to anticipate symptoms, prevent complications, guide treatments, and prepare patients for gene therapies that are already being developed.”

How to Take Care of Your Eye Health?

Taking care of your eye health is essential at every stage of life.

Here are 5 tips from our specialists to help you do so:

1. Knowyourfamilyhistory, especially cases of severe myopia, glaucoma, or retinal diseases.
   
2. Have regular eyeexams. Annual check-ups are crucial, especially for children and adolescents with a family history, as they can make the difference between early or late diagnosis.
   
3. Encouragegood visual habits (reduce screen time, take frequent breaks while working or studying, and promote outdoor activities).
   
4. Protectyoureyesfromthesunwithcertifiedsunglasses.Unprotected sun exposure significantly increases the risk of eye problems, with a 4% higher chance of issues for every hour spent in the sun.
   
5. Avoid rubbing your eyes. Although it may seem harmless, this can promote the progression of keratoconus, especially if there is a genetic predisposition.