title: An evolutionary analysis of the aetiology and pathogenesis of juvenile-onset myopia.
abstract: The available evidence suggests that both genes and environment play a crucial role in the development of juvenile-onset myopia. When the human visual system is examined from an evolutionary perspective, it becomes apparent that humans, living in the original environmental niche for which our species is genetically adapted (as hunter-gatherers), are either slightly hypermetropic or emmetropic and rarely develop myopia. Myopia occurs when novel environmental conditions associated with modern civilization are introduced into the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The excessive near work of reading is most frequently cited as the main environmental stressor underlying the development of myopia. In this review we point out how a previously unrecognized diet-related malady (chronic hyperinsulinaemia) may play a key role in the pathogenesis of juvenile-onset myopia because of its interaction with hormonal regulation of vitreal chamber growth.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health and Exercise Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA. cordain@cahs.colostate.edu
authors.forename: Loren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cordain
authors.forename: S Boyd
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Eaton
authors.forename: Jennie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brand Miller
authors.forename: Staffan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lindeberg
authors.forename: Clark
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004777:Environment; D005823:Genetics; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000150:complications; D009216:Myopia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances