A group of scientists have discovered 24 genes responsible for short-sightedness—a condition also known as myopia that affects 30 percent of the Western world and up to 80 percent of the Asian population. Myopia has no cure and is a major cause of blindness worldwide. The new findings—published in the journal Nature Genetics—could lead to better treatments or future methods of preventing the condition.

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, typically during childhood or adolescence, causing light entering the retina to focus in front of it rather than on it, causing a blurred image. The issue can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery. Still, the eye will remain longer and the retina thinner and over time can cause retinal detachment, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Although myopia runs in families, little has been known about its genetic background until now.

Led by London’s King’s College, researchers from Europe Asia, Australia and the United States collaborated as the Consortium for Refraction and Myopia to search for the genes responsible for the condition. They analyzed genetic data in more than 45,000 people from 32 different studies and discovered 24 new genes associated with myopia.

We already knew that myopia – or short-sightedness – tends to run in families, but until now we knew little about the genetic causes,” said King’s College Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology’s Chris Hammond, who discovered the first gene responsible for myopia three years ago. “This study reveals for the first time a group of new genes that are associated with myopia and that carriers of some of these genes have a 10-fold increased risk of developing the condition.

 

Currently myopia is corrected with glasses or contact lenses, but now we understand more about the genetic triggers for the condition we can begin to explore other ways to correct it or prevent progression. It is an extremely exciting step forward which could potentially lead to better treatments or prevention in the future for millions around the world.”

Identifying the genes responsible for short-sightedness may lead to treatments, such as eye drops or drugs, that could b given to children and prevent the condition, although such treatments are likely still at least 15 years away.

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

More Posts