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Gene discovery could lead to an end to short sightedness

It may be possible to target the genetic pathways with drugs to prevent vision deterioratingChris Young/PA

Scientists have found the 24 genes that increase the risk of short-sightedness, opening the possibility of developing drugs to prevent the need for glasses.

The study of more than 45,000 people, due to be published today in Nature Genetics, showed that those carrying the genes have a tenfold increased risk of myopia. It may be possible to target the genetic pathways with drugs given as eye drops or tablets to prevent vision deteriorating.

Short-sightedness has been linked to urbanisation, education and spending most of each day indoors.

During childhood and adolescence the eye grows in length, but it normally stops at the point that when the eye is relaxed, objects in the distance are in focus. However, in people who are short-sighted the eye continues…

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