Is strabismus hereditary?

Strabismus, medically known as esotropia, does indeed have a certain degree of genetic predisposition. However, it is important to note that the probability of inheritance is not particularly high, and not all cases of strabismus are caused by genetics. Strabismus can be classified as either congenital or acquired. Congenital strabismus is more likely to be associated with genetic factors, especially when immediate family members have a history of esotropia, which increases the likelihood of children developing strabismus. In contrast, acquired strabismus—such as that induced by high myopia or eye diseases—is generally not hereditary. Furthermore, strabismus is not entirely determined by genetics; other factors such as environmental influences and lifestyle habits may also play a role. Therefore, when addressing strabismus, it is essential to consider multiple factors, including both genetic and environmental aspects.