Identification of Genomic Loci Determining Susceptibility to the Development of High Myopia

Compelling evidence of genetic components in high myopia has been put forward by several studies. Twin cohorts, familial linkage studies and population studies has described at least 10 loci containing genes involved in the disease development. The investigators previously demonstrated novel linkage on chromosome 7q36 and chromosome 7p15 in French families. A new approach consisting of a case-control based population association study is underway in order to recover a high number of myopic subjects avoiding the limitation of familial cases. 1.8 millions polymorphic markers will be compared with emmetropic controls in order to recover loci associated with the disease in the population.