We understand that strabismus, often referred to as crossed eyes, can be a cause for concern. Strabismic parents particularly worry if this condition can be passed down to their children. This blog post dives in an friendly and easy-to-read way into the science behind strabismus and genetics, exploring the role genes play and addressing environmental factors, to give the more precise and concise answer to the question "Is Strabismus Genetic?".
Strabismus, commonly known as misaligned eyes, is a condition that affects approximately 2% to 4% of the population. It disrupts binocular vision and can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) if not treated early. But is strabismus genetic? Let's dive into the science behind it.
Family History and Genetic Components
Studies have shown that strabismus tends to run in families. For instance, a study found that 30.6% of strabismic patients had a close relative with the condition. This suggests a significant genetic component.
Genetic Variants and Risk Factors
Genome-wide association studies have identified several genetic loci associated with strabismus. Notably, the WRB gene on chromosome 21 and the NPLOC4–TSPAN10–PDE6G locus on chromosome 17q25 have been implicated. A 2024 study also found that esotropia (eyes turning inward) and exotropia (eyes turning outward) may share genetic risk factors.
Complex Inheritance Patterns
Unlike Mendelian inheritance patterns, the inheritance of strabismus is complex. It's likely that variations in multiple genes contribute to the condition. This means that predicting whether a child will inherit strabismus is not straightforward.
What are the odds of a parent passing strabismus on to their child?
According to an evaluation of clinical characteristics and risk factors of strabismus cases, if one parent has strabismus, the child has a 20-30% chance of developing it.
Environmental Risk Factors
In addition to genetic factors, several environmental factors can increase the risk of developing strabismus. These include:
- Low birth weight
- Prematurity
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy
- Intrauterine drug exposure
- Neurologic diseases
Please, don’t panic! It can be inherited but it can also be treated effectively
So, supposing you or your partner suffer from strabismus, and it happen for you to have a beautiful baby with this visual condition, please keep in mind that as of now 2025 there are innovative solutions to strabismus and lazy eye, that will effectively solve this genetic "incovenient". When it comes to strabismus treatment, the sooner you treat it the better the results; but even for adults with strabismus and amblyopia there are modern treatments, like vision therapy, that can help recovering binocular function and that are questioning the popular concern about: When is it too late to treat lazy eye?
We are here with an a new hope even for adult strabismus and lazy eye
If you happen to suffer from strabismus or you have a relative with squint, you probably present symptoms of binocular dysfunction and because of this you will probably benefit from vision therapy to really solve the problem and start using both of your eyes and having stereopsis. At AvalonWeb.com.au, we are proud to offer Equal-Eyes, our innovative and affordable VR vision therapy for adult lazy eye and binocular vision dysfunctions. This program, created and developed by an electronic, electrical, and software engineer, Mr. Mark Boyce, a person who understands first-hand what it is to have these 2 conditions, provides an engaging platform for patients to improve their visual skills and overcome challenges associated with strabismus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while strabismus has a genetic component and tends to run in families, it is influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Early detection and treatment are crucial for better outcomes. Even if strabismus is inherited, modern treatments like vision therapy and innovative VR programs, such as Equal-Eyes, offer effective solutions for both children and adults. Remember, it’s never too late to seek treatment and improve visual skills, ensuring a better quality of life despite genetic predispositions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strabismus affects 2% to 4% of the population.
Strabismus can be inherited from either parent, or both.
Yes, advanced maternal age is a risk factor.
Amblyopia can be associated with genetic factors, especially if it results from strabismus.