Can nearsightedness be inherited?
Explore the genetic variants associated with nearsightedness and other refractive errors of the eye.
Nearsightedness occurs when the length of the eye or its refractive power causes light to focus in front of the retina. Twin studies show that hereditary factors contribute clearly — and large population studies have found hundreds of genetic loci linked to myopia and refractive error.
What the analysis shows
DNAHelper shows which vision-related variants your raw file contains and what research has linked them to. The result is an association, not a prognosis for your eyesight. The analysis is based on the traits Myopia, refractive error (685 associated variants, strong evidence strength).
Which variants matter
Nearsightedness is polygenic — no single gene decides. Large meta-analyses have identified hundreds of loci, many near genes that govern eye growth and development. Each individual variant contributes only marginally.
Many of the variants lie in regions that regulate axial growth of the eye. Genetic predisposition also appears to be amplified by environmental factors in childhood.
What research has actually found
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with hundreds of thousands of participants have replicated the link between these loci and refractive error. The genetic contribution explains some — but far from all — of why people become nearsighted.
The associations are strongest for common nearsightedness. Severe, early-onset forms partly follow different patterns.
What matters more than genes
Time spent outdoors in childhood is the best-documented protective factor — daylight appears to slow the eye's axial growth. Prolonged near work and screen-based activities are linked to increased risk.
That is why two people with similar genetic profiles can end up with very different eyesight — the environment steers much of the outcome.
What the result means — and does not mean
The analysis is based on the traits Myopia, refractive error (strong evidence strength). Associations are statistical — they describe populations, not destinies. Read how we grade evidence in our methodology.
Privacy: your file never leaves the browser
You pick your raw file locally — it is parsed and analysed entirely in your browser and is not uploaded for the standard analysis. The only exception is the optional DNA Chat feature where you, after explicit consent, can share selected variants. Read the privacy policy · What happens to your DNA file?
Compatible raw files
Works with raw data exports from MyHeritage, 23andMe, AncestryDNA and FamilyTreeDNA (.txt, .csv, .zip). The download guides show exactly where to find the file at your provider — and the file formats are explained here.
Also read: Method & science · All analyses · All traits · Eye colour and heredity