the Hereditary Risks of Amblyopia and Strabismus in Infants

Concerned about the impact on children's vision?

Is amblyopia and strabismus hereditary? My baby is one month old and currently has a condition of pseudostrabismus, which may be temporary.
However, both sides of the family have a history of severe strabismus combined with amblyopia (crossed eyes), and one family member has undergone multiple treatments with no improvement, to the point of being unable to obtain a driver's license.
Therefore, I am concerned about my baby's vision issues.

At what age can we test for strabismus or amblyopia? How can I conduct a preliminary test for my baby, and at what age is it appropriate to do so? Additionally, will these conditions be inherited by the next generation? What preventive measures can be taken for these issues? If my baby does have these problems, what treatments are available to restore vision to a normal level? Is increasing lutein intake effective? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

Danxin 0 sui haizhi shi li, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/11/29

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

Strabismus has a hereditary component, and the causes of amblyopia often also have a genetic basis.
If it is only pseudostrabismus, regular check-ups are sufficient for the time being.
Amblyopia can generally be treated until around the age of 7.
Children typically can learn vision testing around the age of 3, which is when it becomes easier to check for amblyopia.
The prognosis for the treatment of strabismus and amblyopia is usually good, so there is no need for excessive concern.
Lutein is a nutritional supplement aimed at macular degeneration and does not provide significant benefits for strabismus or myopia.

Reply Date: 2009/11/29

More Info

Amblyopia (commonly known as "lazy eye") and strabismus (commonly referred to as "crossed eyes") are indeed conditions that can have hereditary components. If there is a family history of these conditions, as you mentioned, it could increase the likelihood of your child developing similar issues. However, it is important to note that while genetics can play a role, environmental factors and individual development also significantly influence the occurrence of these conditions.

In infants, the development of vision is a gradual process. Most pediatricians recommend that a child's vision be assessed at various stages of development. For example, a basic eye examination can be performed as early as six months of age. By this time, a pediatrician or an eye specialist can check for signs of strabismus and assess the overall health of the eyes. If there are concerns about your child's vision, it is advisable to consult a pediatric ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation.

Regarding your concern about testing for strabismus or amblyopia, there are some simple observations you can make at home. You can look for signs such as whether your baby’s eyes appear to be aligned when looking at objects, whether they follow moving objects with both eyes, and if they seem to favor one eye over the other. However, these observations are not a substitute for professional evaluation.
As for prevention, while there is no guaranteed way to prevent amblyopia or strabismus, early detection and intervention are key. If your child is diagnosed with either condition, treatment options may include corrective glasses, patching the stronger eye to strengthen the weaker one, or in some cases, surgery to correct misalignment. The earlier these interventions are started, the better the chances of achieving normal vision.

Regarding dietary supplements like lutein, while they are known for their antioxidant properties and potential benefits for eye health, there is no strong evidence to suggest that they can prevent or treat amblyopia or strabismus. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is essential for overall health, including eye health, but it should not replace medical treatment when necessary.

In summary, while there is a hereditary aspect to amblyopia and strabismus, early detection and intervention are crucial. If you have concerns about your child's vision, it is best to consult with a pediatric ophthalmologist who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate recommendations based on your child's specific needs. Regular check-ups and monitoring will help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly, giving your child the best chance for healthy vision.

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