Smoking During Pregnancy May Increase the Risk of Cross-eyed Baby

New study finds that mothers who smoke during pregnancy may increase their offspring's risk to develop strabismus, an eye disorder which is prevalent among children. The findings of the study are published in the journal Acta Ophthalmologica.

In an analysis of 11 relevant articles, maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with a 46 percent increased risk that offspring will develop strabismus one of the most prevalent eye-related diseases among children.

‘A new study finds that maternal smoking during pregnancy is an important public health problem as it effects the child's eye health.’

Maternal smoking of 10 cigarettes per day during pregnancy was linked with a 79 percent increased risk of strabismus in offspring.

In children with strabismus, the eyes do not properly align with each other. This can contribute to visual impairment and emotional problems.

"Maternal smoking during pregnancy is an important public health problem, particularly in developed countries, and its effect on offspring eye health deserves our attention," said senior author Dr. Zuxun Lu, of the Huazhong University of Science and Technology, in China.

Source: Eurekalert