People believe that the cause of nearsightedness is an unhealthy habit that can damage the eye, such as watching television at close range, reading while laying down, and others. But recently researchers found that nearsightedness is not only caused by bad habits, but also because of gene mutation.
Researchers found a link between nearsightedness with mutations in the gene responsible for arranging oxygen in the eye tissue, according to a study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics.
Nearsightedness known as myopia is a condition of the cornea that causes a person can not see at a distance. The more the nearsighted person has, the more likely the disease can also turn into a more serious disease such as cataracts or glaucoma.
Previous research has shown that myopia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental, as too much reading with bad lighting. Meanwhile, myopia is also known to be derived from the family. However, previous studies were unable to find genetic factors that can affect a person’s nearsightedness.
“This is the first time a genetic mutation that causes myopia was found,” said lead researcher Terri Young of Duke Eye Center, as reported by Red Orbit (03/05).
Young and his colleagues analyzed DNA from four members of a family in America. After observing saliva, DNA, and blood, they found that the gene mutation was found in families with severe myopia, but not in families with normal vision.
Through this research, they found that the gene mutation causes the flow of nutrients, minerals, and oxygen that is not smooth on the eye. This then causes the eyes to begin developing myopia.