Media Release 2 February 2010
Discovery of ‘long-sighted gene’ a world first
Researchers at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) hope the discovery of a gene associated
with long-sightedness will lead to new treatments to prevent vision loss.
Long-sightedness is one of Australia’s leading causes of correctable vision loss, affecting almost 10 per
cent of the population.
Long-sighted people can see clearly when looking at objects that are far away, but have difficulty
focusing on near objects and struggle with tasks such as reading. This can often lead to blurred vision,
headaches and tiredness.
Principal Investigator Associate Professor Paul Baird of the Ocular Genetics Unit at CERA said the study,
to be published in Ophthalmology, is the first to positively identify a gene for long-sightedness.
“The discovery of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene provides important insights into the
biological mechanisms involved in ocular development,” Associate Professor Baird said.
“Currently, the only treatments available for long-sightedness are glasses, contact lenses and laser
techniques.”
“We hope this important gene discovery will help us develop new drug treatments and I expect it will
have a profound impact on improving global eye heath.”
Associate Professor Baird said that while the underlying causes of long-sightedness are still largely
unknown, scientists suspect a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors is
responsible.
It’s believed the HGF gene disrupts the process of emmetropisation– the eye’s ability to properly grow
and adjust for optimal optical imaging during development – leading to long-sightedness.
Researchers analysed the DNA of 551 Australian adults to identify the genetic variations associated with
long-sightedness.
Long-sightedness is on the rise and is emerging as a significant health issue in most countries.
CERA is affiliated with the University of Melbourne and the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, where it
is located.
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For more information or to arrange an interview with Assoc. Prof. Baird contact:
Lauren Metcalfe
(MOB) + 61 431 658 933
laurenem@unimelb.edu.au
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