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Published on: July 24, 2020
Shared Genetic Architecture and Multidimensional Modifiable Correlates between Myopia and Retinal-Optic Nerve
Yuelan Gao1,2, Jianming Xu1,2, Jun Yu1
1Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Ophthalmology Science
|July 12, 2026
Summary
Myopia shares genetic links with retinal-optic nerve diseases (RONDs), increasing risks for retinal detachment and glaucoma. Lifestyle factors also interact with these genetic predispositions in myopic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Genetics
- Complex disease architecture
- Gene-environment interactions
Background:
- Myopia is a growing global health concern.
- Retinal-optic nerve diseases (RONDs) represent a significant cause of vision impairment.
- Understanding shared risk factors between myopia and RONDs is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the shared genetic architecture between myopia and five common RONDs.
- To identify modifiable lifestyle and environmental correlates associated with myopia and ROND comorbidity.
- To explore gene-environment interactions in the context of myopia and RONDs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized UK Biobank data from 81,491 participants.
- Conducted genetic pleiotropy, cross-trait analyses, and Mendelian randomization.
- Examined associations between myopia and RONDs, including retinal detachment, glaucoma subtypes, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.
Main Results:
- Myopia associated with increased risk of retinal detachment and primary open-angle glaucoma, and decreased risk of primary angle-closure glaucoma.
- Significant genetic correlations and 66 pleiotropic loci identified between myopia and RONDs.
- Modifiable factors including diet, sleep, and mental health correlated with myopia-ROND comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- Myopia and RONDs share significant genetic underpinnings.
- Identified modifiable factors offer potential targets for intervention in myopic populations.
- Findings support further research into personalized prevention strategies for vision disorders.
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