extracellular matrix remodeling and eye development. The carriers of the high-risk genes have a tenfold increased risk of myopia. Aberrant genetic recombination and gene splicing in the OPNLW1 and OPNMW1 genes that code for two retinal cone photopigment proteins can produce high myopia by interfering with refractive development of the eye.

Human population studies suggest that contribution of genetic factors accounts for 60-90% of variance in refraction. However, the currently identified variants account for only a small fraction of myopia