ROLE OF HEREDITY IN THE GENESIS OF MYOPIA

Previous studies suggest that myopia in parents may influence the gene sis of myopia in their offspring. In this study, we surveyed 2888 chil dren of Chinese descent in China and Hong Kong to determine the relati onship between the refractive state of parents and their children. The age range of the children was 7-17 years. Refraction was measured usi ng a Canon R-22 objective infrared autorefractor and a survey on famil y history of ametropia was conducted using a questionnaire. We found t hat children with myopic parents are more likely to be myopic.