What is Myopia?

One of the most common eye conditions in the world is myopia (nearsightedness).
This is when an individual cannot see far away without wearing glasses or
contact lenses.

What is the Myopia Family Study?

The Myopia Family Study is a multi-center genetic research study funded by the
National Institute of Health/National Eye Institute.

Why the Myopia Family Study?

The cause of nearsightedness is unclear but it appears to be a condition that is
caused by both genetic and environmental influences. It affects one in four
Americans and can lead to the loss of vision in severe cases. Nearsightedness
has a tendency to occur in families. Research studies of family inheritance patterns
of nearsightedness opens the possibility of finding the gene(s) and the exact cause.
Increased understanding of myopia can lead to new treatments for this condition
and possibly, a cure.

Participating Centers