The concept of “genetic nurture” describes the genetic effects transmitted indirectly from parents and other relatives to a child, rather than directly through actual genes – such as through influential environments.

For example, parents might create an environment that encourages their child to read and stay indoors, rather than going out to do regular physical exercise – one that is also geared towards myopia.

Within this debate and research, experts have considered what impact genetic nurture may have in refractive error – and not always with the results that might be expected.