Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025

Binocular Dynamic Visual Acuity in Eyeglass-Corrected Myopic Patients
Published on: March 29, 2022
Impact of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Peripheral Refraction
Dibyendu Pusti1, Antonio Benito1, Juan J Madrid-Valero2
1Laboratorio de Óptica, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
Purpose:
Investigate genetic and environmental influences on refractive errors in monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs.
Methods:
We assessed foveal and peripheral refractions in 54 MZ and 46 DZ twins, capturing three scans across the retina. The study focused on spherical equivalent (M) at the fovea (MLOS) and changes in midperipheral (δMmid-periphery), and peripheral (δMperiphery) defocus, along with nasal-temporal asymmetry (root mean squared error [RMSEASY]) and image shell contour (RMSEAVG). Genetic and environmental contributions were analyzed using structural equation models.
Results:
No significant differences were observed between MZ and DZ twins for the examined variables. Intraclass correlations (ICC) indicated an important difference in genetic influence between MLOS, with the MZ twin pairs showing a higher correlation (0.83) than DZ (0.69) pairs, and δMperiphery, because the ICC for the MZ doubled (0.87) that of the DZ (0.42) pairs. Heritability estimates from the ACE model confirmed the large difference on genetic factors' influence on the variance for MLOS (0.13) and δMperiphery (0.77) change in refractive error. RMSEASY and RMSEAVG metrics showed significant genetic impact, particularly pronounced in the peripheral measurements, revealing high genetic control.
Conclusions:
The study delineates a marked environmental impact on central refractive errors, whereas genetic factors had a more significant influence on peripheral refractive variance and retinal image traits. Findings of the ACE model highlight the intricate genetic and environmental interplay in refractive error development, with a notable genetic dominance in peripheral vision characteristics. This suggests potential genetic targets for interventions in myopia management and emphasizes the need for personalized approaches based on genetic predispositions.
Translational Relevance:
Understanding the impact of genetics and environment on peripheral refraction is essential for deepening our fundamental knowledge of myopia and guiding the development of advanced myopia control strategies.
More Related Videos
09:37A Phenotyping Regimen for Genetically Modified Mice Used to Study Genes Implicated in Human Diseases of Aging
Published on: July 14, 2016
03:35Determining Gender-Based Differences in Retinal and Choroidal Thickness in Underweight Individuals via Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 1, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Gene-Environment Interactions
Focusing of Light in the Eye
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Genetic Lingo
Biological Influences on Intelligence