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Myopia (short-sight) affects 20-25% of children in New Zealand and has reached epidemic numbers in some Asian countries, affecting up to 80% of the population.

Myopia results from an abnormal enlargement of the back half of the eye, and in high myopia this can result in excessive stretching of ocular tissue. This can cause blinding conditions including retinal atrophy, choroidal neovascularisation, and retinal detachment. In addition, myopia is associated with higher risk of other eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataract.

Research in the Myopia Laboratory investigates:

  • the physiological mechanisms that regulate normal eye growth
  • the genetic and environmental influences which underlie the development of myopia
  • why myopia inevitably progresses with time
  • how abnormal eye growth and myopia may be inhibited in children (e.g. using specially designed contact lenses, spectacles, or pharmaceutical eye drops).

    PhD and MSc opportunities are available in the current research areas of the laboratory. Please contact Dr John Phillips for further information.

    • University of Auckland > Department of Optometry and Vision Science > Research Labs > Auckland Myopia Lab
    © 2009 Department of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of Auckland. Last modified 09/12/2009