A Duke University research team discovers a gene mutation causing myopia or otherwise known as near-sightedness.
This genetic condition which affects nearly 30 percent of all Americans doesn’t affect all siblings.
The condition occurs when the eye is not round but rather oval or the cornea (the lens in the front of the eye) has too much of a curvature. The condition results in blurry vision.
Using advanced gene-sequencing, the Duke team discovered a rare gene mutation in a gene called SCO2. This gene helps metabolize copper, which helps regulate oxygen in eye tissue. When this condition exists in SCO2, oxygen levels can become too high and alter the development of the eye leading to myopia.
Learn more here: Duke Study in News Observer