Student given grant to study eye health

April 21, 2010

While many people know about myopia and hyperopia - or nearsightedness and farsightedness - fewer individuals know what causes the refractive errors.

Zeran Li, a student at Purdue University, was recently awarded a Sigma Xi grant to do her research on myopia and hyperopia. Li suggests that refractive errors are linked to an altered thyroid activity, according to IndyStar.com.

Li told the news provider that she hopes her research will allow scientists to get a better understanding of the molecular controls of eye growth, which could eventually lead to new drugs that can help correct impaired vision.

The student added that she believes that creating prescription drugs for the refractive errors will negate the need for eyeglasses or surgery.

"Nearsightedness and farsightedness are commonly corrected with prescription eyeglasses or laser surgery, but glasses can be cumbersome and surgery is invasive," Li told the news provider.

According to the American Optometric Association, there are now surgeries that involve implanting a small lens into the eyes that can help individuals who suffer from higher levels of myopia. The Association suggests that eyeglasses may be the answer for those who suffer from hyperopia.