Myopia and Genetic Risks for Future Children

Q: Myopia and Genetic Risks for Future Children

Hello： Based on your description, both you and your boyfriend's myopia is likely acquired. <br>If your future children pay attention to eye care, they may not necessarily develop high myopia. <br>If the degree of myopia is 600, and the retina is healthy, the risk of complications

Myopia degree and genetic issues?

Hello, Doctor.
I have been nearsighted since the second grade, with an initial prescription of around 200 degrees, accompanied by astigmatism.
I have always loved reading, especially dense texts, and books have been my constant companion! Currently, my eye prescriptions are as follows: left eye - nearsightedness of 600-625 degrees, right eye - nearsightedness of 575 degrees, and both eyes have astigmatism of around 200 degrees.
For the past two to three years, my nearsightedness and astigmatism have not significantly increased, although I occasionally experience fluctuations of about 25 degrees.

My boyfriend also has nearsightedness (he started playing video games around the age of 9 and has a prescription of 400 to 508 degrees, with no astigmatism).
We are considering marriage and having children, which makes me very concerned about the possibility of our future child developing high myopia.
I have heard that a prescription of 600 degrees or more is considered high myopia, and I worry that our children might develop myopia at a young age.

For your reference, here are the prescriptions of my parents and older brother:
Father: developed myopia around age 9, with adult prescriptions of approximately 200 and 400 degrees, astigmatism unspecified.

Mother: did not have myopia as a child, but developed it at 18 after frequent computer use, with both eyes around 300 degrees and slight astigmatism.

Brother: has good vision with no myopia or astigmatism issues (I’m so envious!!!).

Doctor, based on the information above, what is the likelihood that my boyfriend and I will have children with high myopia? I have seen many children in kindergarten already diagnosed with high myopia, which makes me very anxious about my own children potentially facing this issue.
I also feel guilty for not taking better care of my eyes when I was younger, which has even led me to reconsider having children.
(I had already thought about not having biological children and opting for adoption, and my boyfriend is okay with that, but I worry that our parents might not accept it.)
Additionally, I would like to ask if my own situation is serious.
I have heard that individuals with high myopia (600 degrees and above) have a higher risk of developing eye diseases in the future.
My grandmother has type 2 diabetes (diagnosed for at least ten years but currently well-controlled with no complications), so I am genuinely concerned about the risk of developing eye diseases in the future...
I apologize for writing so much, and I appreciate your help.
Wishing you health and happiness.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/14

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: Based on your description, both you and your boyfriend's myopia is likely acquired.
If your future children pay attention to eye care, they may not necessarily develop high myopia.
If the degree of myopia is 600, and the retina is healthy, the risk of complications in the future may not be high, so there is no need to worry too much.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; it is still necessary to seek medical care at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2021/05/14

More Info

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It is a prevalent condition, especially among children and young adults, and its prevalence has been increasing globally. Your concern about the potential genetic risks for your future children is valid, as myopia has a hereditary component.

Based on the information you provided, both you and your boyfriend have a history of myopia, which does increase the likelihood of your future children developing myopia as well. Studies have shown that if one parent is myopic, the risk of their child developing myopia is significantly higher. If both parents are myopic, the risk increases even further. Specifically, children of two myopic parents have a much higher chance of developing moderate to high myopia compared to children of non-myopic parents.

Your current myopia measurements indicate that you have high myopia (600 degrees or more), which is associated with a greater risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. The fact that your boyfriend has a lower degree of myopia (400-508 degrees) may slightly mitigate the risk, but it does not eliminate it. Additionally, your family history suggests a genetic predisposition to myopia, particularly with your father's early onset and your mother's later development of myopia after extensive computer use.

Regarding your concerns about your children's future eye health, it is essential to recognize that while genetics play a significant role, environmental factors also contribute to the development of myopia. Factors such as prolonged near work (reading, screen time), limited outdoor activities, and insufficient exposure to natural light can exacerbate myopia progression. Encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen time can be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing myopia in children.

As for your own situation, while having high myopia does come with risks, it is crucial to maintain regular eye examinations with an eye care professional. They can monitor your eye health and provide guidance on managing your myopia. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, such as taking breaks during prolonged near work, ensuring proper lighting while reading, and engaging in outdoor activities, can help mitigate the progression of myopia.

If you are considering having children, it may be helpful to consult with a genetic counselor. They can provide more personalized information regarding the risks of passing on myopia and discuss potential options for family planning. It is also worth noting that advancements in myopia management, such as orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses) and atropine eye drops, may help slow the progression of myopia in children.

In conclusion, while there is a genetic component to myopia, environmental factors also play a crucial role. By fostering a healthy lifestyle and seeking professional guidance, you can help manage your myopia and potentially reduce the risk for your future children. Remember, many children with a family history of myopia do not necessarily develop high myopia, so it is essential to remain hopeful and proactive in your approach to eye health.

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