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Eye findings in twins reared apart
Ophthalmic Paediatrics and Genetics
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence vision development. This study found high concordance in visual conditions like esotropia and refractive errors among twins reared apart, suggesting a strong hereditary component in eye health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Twin Studies
Background:
- Environmental factors are often considered crucial in visual development.
- However, the extent of genetic influence on specific ophthalmological conditions remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of genetic predisposition in the development of refractive errors and strabismus.
- To evaluate the concordance of specific ophthalmological traits in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins reared apart.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological examination of 26 pairs of twins reared apart.
- Included were 18 monozygotic and 8 same-sex dizygotic twin pairs.
- Analysis of concordance for C/D ratios, esotropia, and refractive errors.
Main Results:
- High concordance observed for C/D ratios and esotropia among reared-apart twins.
- Three pairs of esotropic MZ twins exhibited nearly simultaneous diagnosis and treatment onset for strabismus.
- MZ twins showed significantly greater similarity in refractions compared to DZ twins, indicating genetic influence on refractive error development.
Conclusions:
- Genetic factors play a substantial role in the development of refractive errors and strabismus.
- Findings support a strong hereditary component in visual development, even when individuals are raised in different environments.