Corneal Biomechanics as a Causal Factor in Myopia and Astigmatism: Evidence from Mendelian Randomization.

Purpose

The causal relationship between refractive errors and corneal biomechanical properties remains uncertain. This study aimed to clarify this relationship using Mendelian randomization (MR), offering new insights into the prevention and treatment of refractive errors.

Design

A bidirectional, 2-sample MR analysis.

Participants

Corneal biomechanical data were obtained from 97 653 European participants in the UK Biobank, whereas refractive error data were sourced from the UK Biobank and FinnGen consortia.

Methods

The exposures in this study were identified as corneal biomechanical parameters, specifically corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF). The outcomes were defined as refractive errors, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, along with refractive power, encompassing both spherical and cylindrical power. A meta-analysis was performed to combine the MR estimates from both UK Biobank and FinnGen consortia, with heterogeneity assessed using the Q test and I 2 statistics. Additionally, a reverse MR analysis was conducted to examine the potential causal effect of the refractive status on corneal biomechanics.

Main outcome measures

Corneal hysteresis and CRF as causal factors in myopia and astigmatism.

Results

Data from UK Biobank revealed that CH and CRF were protective against the development of myopia (CH: odds ratio (OR) = 0.9936, P  = 7.79 × 10 -4 ; CRF: OR = 0.9946, P  = 2.41 × 10 -3 ) and astigmatism (CH: OR = 0.9975, P  = 0.02; CRF: OR = 0.9977, P  = 0.017). Conversely, increased corneal-compensated intraocular pressure was a risk factor for myopia development (OR = 1.0091, P  = 2.07 × 10 - 2 ). The meta-analysis, which combined data from both sources, supported a causal relationship between CH and CRF and the development of myopia, although no significant causal link was found for hyperopia. Reverse MR analysis demonstrated a causal effect of spherical power on CH (OR = 1.0664, P  = 4.32 × 10 - 5 ).

Conclusions

Corneal biomechanical parameters, particularly CH and CRF, may serve as early biomarkers for predicting myopia. This protective role supports their use in clinical screening to enhance early intervention strategies. Corneal-compensated intraocular pressure is a risk factor for myopia and represents a novel therapeutic target. Future research should clarify the underlying mechanisms and assess biomechanical interventions, potentially transforming refractive error management and reducing visual impairment.

Financial disclosures: The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.