New Insights into the Causes of Myopia

"Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is the most common disorder affecting the eyesight and it is on the increase," reports Science Digest. "The causes are both genetic and environmental. The Consortium for Refractive Error and Myopia (CREAM) has now made important progress towards understanding the mechanisms behind the development of the condition. This international group of researchers includes scientists involved in the Gutenberg Health Study of the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU). The team has uncovered nine new genetic risk factors which work together with education-related behavior as the most important environmental factor causing myopia to generate the disorder." Read more.