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Family history and eye disease
Family history. Race. Gender. Environment. Research has found a genetic basis for nearly every eye disease. That’s why it is important to know and understand your family history and why you should have regular comprehensive eye exams. If you have any of the risk factors below, your chance of developing an eye disease is increased:
Family History. If a relative, especially a parent or sibling, has a serious eye disease such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, you are more likely to develop that same condition.Race. African Americans are more likely to develop glaucoma, a disease that causes gradual damage to the optic nerve. Caucasians are at greater risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, which affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision.
Gender. Women are more likely than men to develop age related macular degeneration. Pregnant women may experience slight changes in vision due to hormonal changes, water retention and a reduction in tears. These changes usually go away after the baby is born.
Environment. Exposure to ultraviolet light and radiation increases your risk for developing cataracts. To protect your eyes from cataracts, wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and make sure you eat a healthy diet that includes the proper amount of vitamin A. Smoking also increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration.
You can’t always prevent an eye disease from developing, but precautionary measures recommended by a TSO Doctor of Optometry can go a long way in reducing their severity.