TOX rs7837791: What Your Genotype Means
The rs7837791 variant is a single-nucleotide polymorphism located within the TOX gene. Research has associated this variant with variations in axial length and spherical power, which are key factors in determining refractive status.
What each genotype means
Typical ocular growth
This genotype is associated with standard ocular growth and refractive status. While this variant has been studied for its link to axial length, results in different populations have been mixed.
This genotype is common in East Asian populations.
Varied ocular growth
Carriers of this genotype may show variations in spherical power and axial length. The evidence for this association is limited and varies across different ethnic cohorts.
This genotype is frequently observed in East Asian populations.
Associated with ocular growth
This genotype is associated with axial length and spherical power in pediatric cohorts. These findings suggest an influence on ocular growth, though the association is not considered diagnostic.
This genotype is common in East Asian populations.
Understanding the Variant
The rs7837791 variant is a specific genetic change, or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), situated within the TOX gene. In genetics, a SNP represents a variation at a single position in the DNA sequence among individuals. The TOX gene, which stands for Thymocyte Selection Associated High Mobility Group Box, is known to play roles in various biological processes. When researchers study variants like rs7837791, they are often looking for correlations between specific DNA sequences and physical traits, known as phenotypes. In this case, the focus is on ocular traits. It is important to note that the presence of a specific variant does not guarantee a particular physical outcome, as traits like eye growth are complex and influenced by a combination of multiple genetic factors, environmental exposures, and developmental processes. This variant is primarily studied in the context of how the eye develops and changes over time.
Associations with Ocular Traits
Scientific research has identified associations between rs7837791 and ocular endophenotypes, specifically axial length and spherical power. Axial length refers to the physical length of the eye from the front to the back, while spherical power is a measure of the eye's refractive error. Studies, including those published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, have observed that this variant shows statistical associations with these measurements. The evidence for these associations is considered limited, meaning that while a correlation has been observed in specific study cohorts, it is not necessarily a definitive predictor of refractive error in every individual. These findings are typically derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) or longitudinal studies that track ocular changes in children or adults. Because these associations are statistical in nature, they describe trends across large groups of people rather than providing a diagnostic tool for an individual's specific eye health.
Interpreting Genetic Information
For individuals interested in their genetic data, it is essential to understand what this information can and cannot do. Genetic associations with ocular traits like those linked to rs7837791 are meant for educational and research purposes. They do not constitute a medical diagnosis or a prediction of future vision health. Because eye development is multifactorial, having a specific genotype does not mean an individual will develop a specific refractive condition. Readers should not use this information to make medical decisions or to self-diagnose. If you have concerns about your vision, refractive status, or eye growth, the most appropriate course of action is to consult with an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. These experts can provide comprehensive examinations and evidence-based guidance tailored to your specific health needs. Genetic data is only one piece of a much larger puzzle regarding human biology and health.
How common is this variant?
The rs7837791 variant is noted to be common in East Asian populations, where it has been frequently included in studies regarding ocular biometry.
Frequently asked questions
Is rs7837791 a cause of myopia?
No, rs7837791 is not considered a direct cause of myopia. It is a genetic variant associated with statistical variations in ocular traits like axial length, which are related to refractive status, but it does not determine the development of myopia on its own.
Can I use this information to predict my child's vision?
No, you cannot use this information to predict vision. Ocular development is influenced by many genes and environmental factors, and this variant only provides a small, statistical association that is not suitable for individual health prediction.
Where can I find more research on this SNP?
You can search for this variant on the GWAS Catalog or PubMed using the rsID 'rs7837791'. These databases provide access to peer-reviewed studies that discuss the variant's associations with ocular traits.
Does this variant affect my eye health?
The variant is associated with measurements like axial length in research studies. However, it is not a clinical marker for eye health, and you should consult an eye care professional for any concerns regarding your vision.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 11/7/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
Curious what your genotype is for rs7837791?
Upload a raw DNA file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA and see this variant — plus thousands more — interpreted in your full report.
Get my report — $29