Visual experience and genes cause myopia

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7347.0

Visual experience and genes cause myopia

The prevalence of myopia is increasing in many parts of the world and is the leading cause of loss of vision. In this week'sclinical review (p 1195) Douglas Fredrick explains that a combinationof genetic predisposition and visual experience, such as extensivenear work, may lead to abnormal growth of the eye, resulting inmyopia. The latest therapeutic interventions are discussed, buthe suggests that, until they are fully developed, refractive errorsshould continue to be corrected accurately as overcorrecting mayinduce more myopia.