Test to help identify kids at risk of becoming myopic

Researchers from the Universities of Cardiff and Bristol have created a test that could assist in identifying children at risk of developing myopia.

The researchers analysed the genetic differences in over 700,000 people and came up with a score that predicts each person’s genetic risk of developing myopia. This has allowed the team to identify one in 10 individuals who were six times more likely to develop severe myopia by the time they are an adult.

Paediatric ophthalmologist from Bristol Medical School Cathy Williams who co-led the study said: ‘A genetic test can be carried out at any age, so a test like this - for a high risk of myopia - could give children who are likely to become very short-sighted a head start if carried out when they are young and if there are effective suitable treatments.’