Does astigmatism and myopia inherit genetically?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, whether astigmatism and myopia are hereditary depends on specific circumstances. If you have vision problems, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation promptly. After prolonged close-up eye use, looking into the distance at green plants can help relieve eye fatigue. Ensure sufficient daily outdoor activity to expose the eyes fully to natural light. Maintain proper sitting posture during reading or writing, and ensure adequate, soft lighting.

In general, whether astigmatism and myopia are hereditary depends on specific circumstances. If you have vision problems, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If there is a clear family history of high myopia or astigmatism, and both parents have such vision issues, the likelihood of the next generation developing similar conditions significantly increases. These vision abnormalities, primarily driven by genetic factors, often begin to manifest during adolescence and may worsen with age, indicating a strong association with congenital hereditary factors.

When one or both parents have normal vision, and only one parent has mild myopia or astigmatism that is not congenital but rather caused by improper eye use later in life, the risk of passing these conditions to offspring is considerably reduced. In such cases, vision problems are more closely related to environmental factors. With proper eye care management, children have a higher chance of maintaining good vision.

After prolonged near-work activities, looking into the distance at green plants can help relieve eye fatigue. Ensure sufficient daily outdoor activity to expose the eyes fully to natural light. Maintain correct posture while reading or writing, use adequate and soft lighting, and avoid using electronic devices in dimly lit environments. Regular eye examinations can help detect vision changes early and allow timely adjustments to visual habits, supporting long-term eye health.