Genetic correlation and causal relationship between sleep and myopia: a mendelian randomization study

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Ophthalmology
• Sleep Science

Background:

• Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing global health concern.
• Sleep patterns are increasingly recognized for their impact on overall health.
• Understanding the interplay between sleep and vision is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential genetic correlations between sleep traits and myopia.
• To determine if sleep traits causally influence the development of myopia.

Main Methods:

• Utilized summary data from large cohorts (FinnGen and UK Biobank).
• Employed linkage disequilibrium score regression (LD Score) for genetic correlation analysis.
• Conducted univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) and Causal Analysis Using Summary Effect (CAUSE) estimation.

Main Results:

• LD Score regression identified candidate genetic correlations between sleep duration, chronotype, and myopia.
• Univariable MR suggested a potential promotional effect of increased sleep duration on myopia.
• Multivariable MR and CAUSE analyses did not confirm a causal relationship after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions:

• A potential genetic correlation between sleep duration, chronotype, and myopia may exist.
• No evidence was found to support a causal effect of sleep duration, chronotype, or insomnia on myopia development.