Team leader
The Functional Molecular Vision Research Group has an ongoing interest in investigating both the genetic and environmental risk factors associated with developing early-onset myopia or (near-sightedness).
Myopia occurs when refractive components of the eye (the cornea, lens and axial length) misalign and cause light entering the eye to bend or refract light rays so that they focus before reaching the retina (nerve tissue at the back of the eye). This misalignment results in distant images that are perceived as blurry. Both genetics and environmental risk factors (increased education, increased near-work and a lack of time spent outdoors) are known contributors of myopia, however the mechanisms of these processes are not well understood.
In recent decades myopia has rapidly increased in global prevenance and is predicted to affect over 50 per cent of the population by 2050. Progression to high myopia increases the risk of developing serious ocular conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, maculopathy and severe irreversible vision loss. Therefore, discovering new methods to accurately screen high risk children and implement preventative measures, alongside the development of novel treatment, is vital for slowing the increasing socio-economic and health burden resulting from myopia.
The Functional Molecular Vision Research Group comprises laboratory research scientists working alongside ophthalmologists to apply both experimental laboratory research and clinical genetic screening.
