Children Myopia

[Prince_of_Kolkata]

Dear Doctor,

Myself Myopic with -8 D in both eyes (-7D Spherical and -1D Cylindrcal). I am using spec from the age 10. My wife is also myopic -6 D in both eyes (-5D Spherical and -1D Cylindrcal) and she is also using spec from very early age. Except this high power we have normal vision and there is no other eye complication. This eye power is stable for last for last few years.

My first question is that, Is myopia hereditary ? If so, how much possibility is there that our children will be also myopic ? If myopic what can be there situation at worst condition ?

Can we take any precaution/ corrective measure before their birth to avoid such situation ?

If they are high myopic, what are the treatments available ? (so far I know LASIK can be done after min age of around 20 and when the eye power is stable).

We are in deep dilame on this . Could you please arrange to provide us all possible answers ?

Regards
Ady

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Please understand, there nothing you can do.  You can just concentrate on having exellent prenatal care, a healthy pregnancy and safe childbirth.  Children can wear glasses if necessary just like you probably did at some point.

MJK MD

[Prince_of_Kolkata]

Dr Michael,

Many thanks for your feedback, but can you please suggest is there any preacutionary measure we can take before our child birth ? what are the myopic treatment available for childrens ?

Regards
Ady

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

Yes the myopia is hereditary.  Depending on the 4 grandparents, if some of them had excellent vision, then the children would have some chance of not getting myopia.   There is nothing you can do about it.  You and your wife made all these years OK so why are you so worried about your children.  They will do just fine and technology is improving every year.  If they are myopic they can wear glasses or contacts or possibly even have laser correction when they get around age 20.  Don't worry so much about this situation since you have no control over it and besides, as parents you will be so happy just to have healthy children.  If you were both short, you would not worry that the child would be short.  Basically concentrate on trying to have a healthy bably.  There are major league baseball drivers, airline pilots, surgeons, NASCAR drivers and presidents that are myopic.  Sorry for the lecture.

Michael Kutryb, MD