Do you currently have a lazy eye? Perhaps you know someone that does – whether it’s a friend, neighbor, coworker or relative. One of the questions that may pop up in your mind is this: “Is a lazy eye hereditary? Can it be passed down by one family member to his or her offspring?”
What Exactly Causes a Lazy Eye?
Many people are not very clear on what causes a lazy eye in the first place. For starters, the technical term for this medical condition is “amblyopia.” It is actually caused directly by any particular condition that detrimentally affects the ordinary use of a person’s eyes or their visual development overall.
Three Primary Causes of Amblyopia
Scientific studies and trials that have been conducted over the years have proven that there are three different causes of amblyopia. First and foremost, you have what is known as strabismus (or misaligned eyes.) Basically, with this particular cause, one of your eyes is crossed and turns itself off (in a way) to avoid any instances of double vision from occurring.
Your body then reverts to using the good eye as its primary visual tool so the lazy eye never develops good vision. There are two other causes as well – including refractive errors and cloudiness within the clear tissues of the human eye. Is having a lazy eye (or amblyopia) something that can be passed down from generation to generation?
The Hereditary Factor of Amblyopia
Even though it may seem like having a lazy eye is something that solely happens at random as an unusual birth defect that only affects a relatively microscopic number of people, studies have proven the exact opposite. Millions of people around the world currently suffer from amblyopia at some extent or another. Contrary to popular belief, amblyopia is something that can be passed down through a person’s genetic code and DNA.
When it comes to preventing or treating this particular condition, it is primarily based on whether or not the condition was detected early or not. However, you need to keep in mind the basic fact that there are some situations in which there is absolutely nothing you can do about it – especially if the condition is genetic.
The Bottom Line
Advancements in technology, medicine and science have made a lot of moves in this regard when it comes to finding a cure or permanent treatment for amblyopia. The best advice right now, though, is to continue trusting in the expertise of a licensed healthcare professional.
