Causal association of educational attainment with myopia: A two-sample mendelian randomization study

Background and objectives

Observational studies have shown that educational attainment is associated with the risk of myopia, but the causality of this relationship is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the causal association between educational attainment and myopia.

Methods

Using publicly available data from genome-wide association studies, single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with educational attainment (college/university completion and years of education) were selected as instrumental variables. Causal associations with myopia risk were examined using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results in terms of violations of MR assumptions.

Results

The inverse variance–weighted analysis revealed potential causal associations of college/university completion (odds ratio (OR) = 1.102; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.085–1.119; P < 0.001) and years of education (OR = 1.009; 95% CI: 1.007–1.010; P < 0.001) with myopia risk. MR-Egger and weighted median methods yielded similar results for both educational attainment measures.

Conclusions

MR evidence supports a potential causal association between educational attainment and myopia. This evidence highlights the need for careful management of myopia risk in individuals with higher educational attainment.

Background and objectives

Observational studies have shown that educational attainment is associated with the risk of myopia, but the causality of this relationship is unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the causal association between educational attainment and myopia.

Methods

Using publicly available data from genome-wide association studies, single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with educational attainment (college/university completion and years of education) were selected as instrumental variables. Causal associations with myopia risk were examined using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results in terms of violations of MR assumptions.

Results

The inverse variance–weighted analysis revealed potential causal associations of college/university completion (odds ratio (OR) = 1.102; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.085–1.119; P < 0.001) and years of education (OR = 1.009; 95% CI: 1.007–1.010; P < 0.001) with myopia risk. MR-Egger and weighted median methods yielded similar results for both educational attainment measures.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that EA is causally associated with myopia. These findings have important implications for public health strategies and educational policies. Although education is undoubtedly beneficial, our results suggest that measures to mitigate the associated myopia risk should be considered. Incorporating more outdoor activities into educational programs, optimizing learning environments to reduce eye strain, and implementing regular vision screening in schools may be beneficial. By addressing these factors, it may be possible to balance the benefits of education with the preservation of ocular health.Our data suggest that EA is causally associated with myopia. These findings have important implications for public health strategies and educational policies. Although education is undoubtedly beneficial, our results suggest that measures to mitigate the associated myopia risk should be considered. Incorporating more outdoor activities into educational programs, optimizing learning environments to reduce eye strain, and implementing regular vision screening in schools may be beneficial. By addressing these factors, it may be possible to balance the benefits of education with the preservation of ocular health.

Full text:

https://www.xiahepublishing.com/2472-0712/ERHM-2026-00007

The study was recently published in the Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine.

Exploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine (ERHM) publishes original exploratory research articles and state-of-the-art reviews that focus on novel findings and the most recent scientific advances that support new hypotheses in medicine. The journal accepts a wide range of topics, including innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities as well as insightful theories related to the practice of medicine. The exploratory research published in ERHM does not necessarily need to be comprehensive and conclusive, but the study design must be solid, the methodologies must be reliable, the results must be true, and the hypothesis must be rational and justifiable with evidence.

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