Genetics-environment interactions: links to accommodation apparatus and myopia risk

What is the purpose of this research?

This research project aims to investigate the associations of genetics and the environment (e.g. lifestyle habits) with eye characteristics. It also aims to investigate the potential mechanisms through which various eye structures (ciliary muscle, sclera and choroid) may be involved in myopia development and progression.

Are you looking for people like me?

You may be eligible to participate in this research project if you meet the following criteria:

• normal vision (with no/minimal prescription) or short-sighted (with minus prescription)
• aged between 18-30
• East Asian and/or South East Asian racial background (partial or complete)
• no significant general health conditions
• no significant vision or eye problems apart from short-sightedness
• no use of medication that may impact attention, sleep or ability to accommodate (adjust focus to see clearly at various distances)
• no history of eye surgery
• no history of the use of any form of myopia control option(s) such as glasses or soft contact lenses with specialised designs, orthokeratology contact lenses (overnight contact lenses) and atropine eye drops
• the only person in your family to participate in this study.

To have a partial or complete East Asian and/or South East Asian racial background, one or both of participants' biological parents (birth parents) must have an ethnic background from any of the following countries:

• China
• Hong Kong
• Macau
• Taiwan
• Japan
• North and South Korea
• Mongolia
• Singapore
• Vietnam
• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Brunei
• Timor-Leste
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• the Philippines.

What will you ask me to do?

This study will take place at Q Block at the QUT Kelvin Grove campus. Various measurements and images will be taken from your eyes before, during and after a near task and you will be asked to provide a saliva sample as well. There will be a screening process involving a questionnaire and an eye assessment to ensure that participants meet the eligibility criteria. The questionnaire will involve screening questions and additional questions related to myopia risk factors (e.g. lifestyle habits).

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There are some risks associated with your participation in this research project. These include minor discomfort and fatigue from being required to sit in the dark for a short period of time and from sitting with your head in a fixed position on an instrument during some data collection procedures. There is a minor risk of eye irritation and eye infection from the use of contact lenses. You may experience minor discomfort from the use of contact lenses, especially if you have no prior experience with contact lens wear or if you do not wear contact lenses regularly. You can take breaks at any time during the experiment and the risk of complications associated with contact lens use is very low given the short duration of wear.

There will be a minor risk to your privacy from the collection, use and storage of genetic information. The genetic variants investigated in this research project cannot be used to identify health conditions or ancestral/family inheritance. Saliva samples and extracted DNA will be stored in a secure laboratory with restricted access at Q Block at the Kelvin Grove campus of QUT without any of your personal information (e.g. name, age).

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. The outcomes, however, may benefit future young children at risk of development and/or progression of myopia.

Will I be compensated for my time?

To acknowledge your participation, we will give you a $50 gift card (Coles or Woolworths group) on your last visit when you complete your involvement in this project.

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you are interested in participating or have any questions, contact the research student via phone +61 3138 0455 or email j269.lee@hdr.qut.edu.au.