The genetics and epidemiology of myopia in the ALSPAC cohort

An aim of this thesis is to map a genetic factor that is related to myopia progression. A genome-wide association study of myopia, refractive error and two ocular determinants of refractive error, axial length and corneal curvature was undertaken. A number of genetic locations were identified and extra genotyping and replication in an independent cohort is underway. A further aim of this thesis is investigation of an environmental risk factor of myopia. Epidemiological analyses of two myopia risk factors were undertaken; one in the ALSPAC cohort, another in a cohort from Northern England. In both cases, a relationship with myopia was identified and a plausible mechanism for the relationship is discussed.