Carbohydrates are categorised as major energy providing foods (Macronutrient). Rice and potatoes are some well-known sources of carbohydrates. Essentially, carbohydrate metabolism represents the various biochemical processes responsible for the formation, breakdown and interconversion of carbohydrates. When a person is found to have poor carbohydrate metabolism, it’s crucial that they reduce their overall calorie intake from carbohydrates in their meal plan and consume more of healthy carbohydrates (Slow absorbing carbohydrates).

Saturated fats are found in butter, ghee, margarine and in animal fat. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature. They are predominantly derived from animal and dairy products and also from some vegetable oils. When a person has poor Saturated Fat Metabolism, it will lead to higher levels of LDL cholesterol and plaque formation in blood vessels in response to high levels of saturated fat intake in diet which can lead to stroke or other cardiovascular complications. Some early indicators can be higher levels of LDL cholesterol and weight gain in response saturated fat intake.

Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) are found in oils like olive and coconut oil. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) belong to the family of healthy fats that improve good cholesterol (HDL) levels and keep the bad cholesterol levels in check. MUFA sensitive people have an increased level of triglycerides (will clog your arteries which will lead to stroke and SCA). Triglycerides are very sticky fats and cause major cardiovascular complications

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid are found in vegetable oils like sunflower oil and saffola oil. Polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) are considered as healthy fats and are important for the maintenance of heart and brain function and overall growth and development. The two major types of PUFAs are Omega-3 and Omega- 6 Fatty Acids. Foods that have balanced Omega-3 and Omega-6 are considered healthier. Indian diets have an exceptionally high Omega-6 : Omega-3 fatty acid ratio due to excessive consumption of Omega- 6 from processed foods and cooking oils. Individuals who have poor PUFA Metabolism are found to have an increased level of LDL, and low level of HDL. That could lead to cardiovascular complications.

Carotene (Alpha and Beta) present in Vitamin A is extremely beneficial for clear vision, healthy skin and enhanced immune function. It is also an important antioxidant. At the same time, since, Vitamin A is a fat soluble Vitamin, excessive supplementation can lead to toxicity. Animal sources like organ meat, fish & milk products provide Vitamin A in the form of retinol or retinoic acid, while plant sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale and cantaloupes provide the precursor of Vitamin A in the form of carotenes. People with poor Vitamin A Metabolism have a reduced ability to convert carotenes to retinol and may be at a risk for Vitamin A deficiency.

Vitamin D, the 'Sunshine Vitamin', is essential for absorption of calcium from the intestine. It is also important for immunity as it improves our body's defence against harmful microorganisms. Our body can synthesize sufficient Vitamin D from cholesterol when the skin is exposed to adequate amounts of sunlight. A particular genotype is responsible for poor Vitamin D Metabolism and thus, lower levels of Vitamin D in some individuals. Low Vitamin D levels pose the risk of rickets and osteoporosis-related fractures. An increase in Vitamin D intake is recommended improve calcium absorption and overall health.

Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is an antioxidant that defends the body against free radical damage and protects polyunsaturated fatty acids from oxidation. Individuals with poor Vitamin E metabolism have lower plasma levels due to an inefficient transport of Vitamin E within the body, therefore they have an increased Vitamin E requirement. Further, because of current Indian diets containing higher levels of PUFA, especially (Omega-6) contributing to more than 10% of the daily calories than recommended by NIN (<10%), it becomes a necessity to have increased Vitamin E in the diet. This has been associated with reduced risk of many chronic diseases.

Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is a potent anti-oxidant and has immunity enhancing properties. Individuals with poor Vitamin C Metabolism has reduced ability to absorb Vitamin C due to inefficient transport within the body. This increases the risk for developing Vitamin C deficiency disorders. Indians tend to have lesser fruit and vegetable intake (recommended average of 400g/day). This has been observed to lead to higher rates of Cardiovascular Diseases, Scurvy and even Cancer. A diet rich in Vitamin C can counteract the genetic predisposition towards these diseases.

Vitamins B6 (or Pyridoxine) is a B Complex Vitamin found in certain foods such as whole cereals, beans, vegetables, liver, meat, and eggs. It is required for the proper utilization of sugars, fats and proteins in the body. For instance, excess of glucose inside the cell can cause cell damage (glycation). So, it is essential to optimally utilise it. Vitamin B6 protects the cells against glycation-induced damage. Some genotypes lack the ability to fully metabolize this vitamin owing to its low levels in the body, thus make an individual's Vitamin B6 Metabolism poor. Vitamin B6 deficiency in adults may cause health problems affecting the nerves, skin, mucous membranes and circulatory system.

Vitamin B9 or Folate is an essential B vitamin, which plays a major role in DNA synthesis and repair. Vitamin B9 has a vital role in several cellular functions. Vitamin B9 is essential for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine in the cell. An excess accumulation of homocysteine can induce inflammation, damage blood vessels, increase blood pressure and cause a disturbance in heart health. With the presence of a certain variant, enzymatic conversion efficiency of Homocysteine to Methionine reduces, i.e. poor Vitamin B9 metabolism. This causes an increased Vitamin B9 requirement.

Vitamins B12 (Cyanocobalamin), is actively involved in red blood cell maturity and its deficiency can lead to production of immature red blood cells, a type of anemia named macrocytic anemia/pernicious anemia and general fatigue. Individuals with certain genetic variations may require higher intake of B12 to prevent anemia and to remove excess homocysteine from cells.

Iron is a mineral essential for oxygen transport through the blood (bound to proteins like haemoglobin in RBC & myoglobin in muscle). Iron deficiency leads to anaemia. Individuals with certain genotypes have reduced ability to absorb iron from the diet. Regulating hepcidin levels and increasing dietary sources of iron can be beneficial.

Antioxidants are found in vegetables, fruits, whole cereals, nuts, oil seeds and green tea. They play a key role in reducing the ill effects of 'free radicals' and thereby prevent premature aging, tissue damage and the onset of chronic diseases. Individuals with poor antioxidant metabolism have lower efficiency to defend themselves against free radical damage. They would benefit from an increased intake of antioxidant rich foods.

Salt plays an important role in electro-physiological functions of the cell and is essential for nerve and muscle functioning. Cooking salt, which is added for taste enhancement, is the major source of sodium in our diet. According to the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD) Injuries and Risk Factors Study, Indians consume about 9.3 grams of salt per day, which is nearly twice the amount recommended by the WHO. High sodium diets are known to elevate blood pressure and increase water retention. People with poor salt metabolism will be prone to following complications such as bone density loss, increased potassium level, increased blood pressure, increased water retention, cramping and disturbance in sleep. Sodium rich foods (Hidden sodium) are Pickles, ketchup and sauces.

Caffeine is the chemical found in tea, coffee and other aerated beverages like Coke and Pepsi. Caffeine acts as a stimulant, has a benefit of increasing focus and metabolism. Sensitive people can have some serious side effects and complications such as Hyperacidity, Bone loss, Disturbed sleep, Constipation, Insomnia, Anxiety and Increased Blood Pressure.

Gluten is a protein which gives elasticity to the dough and helps in binding the dough. Gluten is present in Wheat, Maida and many other cereals. Gliadin, a sub-constituent of gluten is slightly strenuous to digest owing to its complex structure, and this may be the cause for gluten intolerance among 10% of Indians. Individuals with poor Gluten Metabolism have a lower tolerance to gluten and exhibit gastrointestinal disturbances like abdominal bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Thus, timely detection and adherence to a gluten- free diet can work wonders in managing this digestibility issue. Gluten Sensitivity can lead to IBS as well if not taken care of.

In a simple language, lactose is milk sugar. People who lack the enzyme lactase, find it difficult to metabolise dairy milk and milk products. People develop lactose intolerance as they age.

Human tongue has millions of taste receptors which allow us to taste the various foods. Genetic differences, manifested as variations in taste receptors from person to person, explain the individual food preferences and impact eating behavior and nutritional intake. Some people are less sensitive to sugar leading them to overconsume. Generally, the less sensitive one is, the more they will consume that food and tend to overeat.

Proteins are the building blocks of our body. They are made up of amino acids. Proteins can be found in eggs, chicken, soya, milk, etc. During digestion, proteins are broken down by proteolytic enzymes (peptidases) to their respective amino acids units. These amino acids are absorbed by the blood stream and transported to different tissues of the body where they are either used in replacing the damaged tissues or in the synthesis of proteins. When a person has poor Protein Metabolism, the end product of protein i.e. purine, is formed in excess which leads to accumulation of uric acid. They are advised to avoid excess protein intake.

Most foods containing carbohydrates will have fiber. Fiber is important for adding bulk to faeces and is important for effective digestion of food. Dietary fiber is not digestible, but it still provides benefits as it passes through your system. Fiber enhances the efficiency with which your body processes food. It helps in lowering your risks of heart disease and diabetes. There are two types of dietary fiber: soluble, which dissolves in water, and insoluble, which does not. Fiber based food retains water in the intestine and helps you feel fuller. It is essential to incorporate both types of fibers in your diet for a range of health benefits. Oats, psyllium husk and green leafy vegetables are few of the examples.

Genetics infer whether a person is more likely to regain his weight or will he be able to maintain the weight loss. This increases the importance of following a healthy nutrition plan, exercise regime to retain the weight loss and perpetuate the healthy lifestyle. Adiponectin is a hormone that is produced by the fat cells and is involved in the utilization of fat to obtain energy. Higher adiponectin levels are considered beneficial for weight loss and health. Genetic variations influence the adiponectin levels in our body. Individuals with poor propensity for weight regain are more likely to gain weight back, while others are more likely to maintain the weight loss. It is therefore best after losing weight to maintain a healthy diet, exercise and nutrition plan to maintain the weight loss and ensure long term health.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body that maintains the strength and structure of bones and teeth, along with certain critical metabolic functions. Genes such as CASR plays a key role in the regulation of serum calcium levels and influences bone mineral density (BMD). Both higher and lower serum calcium levels can have important consequences for health. Individuals with certain genotypes have increased serum calcium levels and several studies have indicated that higher serum levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and suggest the possibility of underlying conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease.

Phosphate is a mineral that is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth. In the body, almost all phosphorus is combined with oxygen, forming phosphate. Phosphate is also used as a building block for several important substances, including those used by the cell for energy, cell membranes, and DNA. The body obtains phosphate from the food we eat. Individuals with poor phosphate metabolism have decreased serum phosphate levels and therefore have increased requirement.

Magnesium is a mineral, closely associated with skeletal system and a cofactor in several important reactions. It is essential for maintaining electrical potential in nerves and muscle membranes. Individuals with poor magnesium metabolism have lower serum magnesium levels, therefore have increased requirement. Clinical evidence suggests that the amount of magnesium in urban & western diets is insufficient to meet individual demands and that magnesium deficiency may be contributing to common health problems including diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis.

For some people, food has a strong emotional connect. They eat when they are under stress and even when they are happy. Such people will experience hunger pangs and feel calorie deficient and it will urge them to eat in excess. Such a response to food can also be triggered due to a genetic abnormality. This in turn, triggers certain hormones like serotine and dopamine. Such individuals have poor emotional eating control. They tend to consume calories in excess through excessive snacking and binge eating during emotional meltdowns.

Feeling of fullness is based on a few factors like the metabolism of a person and LEP factor. People with a problematic variance have a poor Satiety Response. They tend to overeat and have a delayed leptin response. Thus, they tend to overeat and lean towards an excessive calorie Intake. Some of the common symptoms are obesity, High BMI level and high fat percentage. If identified, these individuals can be put on a specific diet (high fiber + high protein) which will take care of this condition and they can benefit from it.

Bitter taste perception is the ability of our taste buds to sense bitter foods. Taste perception explains the individual food preferences and the impact of eating behavior and nutritional intake. Generally, the less sensitive ones are more likely to consume that food and tend to overeat. Lower perception of bitter taste is generally associated with increased consumption of bitter foods, which could possibly lead to toxicity in the body under adverse conditions. Genetic variations in the genes encoding taste receptors are responsible for differences in bitter taste perception.

Some people show very high preference for fat rich foods and a low preference for sweet foods when they have mutations in a specific receptor found in the brain, compared with people without these mutations. A person's fatty food preference is a contributing factor in his/her risks of developing various lifestyle diseases.

Flexibility is the ability to move effectively through a complete range of motion in a joint. Flexibility is determined by the gender, age, training levels, temperature, and elasticity of the tissues surrounding a joint, namely, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Improved flexibility allows for better performance when playing sports or exercising. It also adds to the level of comfort in day to day activities such as bending, walking, and lifting. The elasticity of the tissues involved is controlled by the protein collagen, providing the genetic linkage to flexibility.

Exercise leads to muscle damage. While excessive muscle damage is detrimental, muscle damage to a small extent is essential for its growth and adaptation to the exercise stimuli. Muscle damage leads to an inflammatory response which repairs the muscle and aids in its growth and adaptation. This inflammation manifests itself as muscle soreness. Soreness is the feeling of pain and stiffness while using the muscle, thereby making day to day movements uncomfortable. Putting excessive stress on a sore muscle can lead to an injury. Therefore, it is imperative to understand an individual’s propensity for muscle damage after a workout and the rate of recovery from that damage, which would dictate the intensity of workouts and the ideal amount of rest that should be taken between two workouts. Interplay of many genes and the variations in them dictate the muscle damage and recovery response.

Lactate threshold or anaerobic zone is the ability to sustain high-intensity exercise that is 80% or above of the max capacity. It is the limit when lactic acid formation reaches to its maximum level.

Fat is stored in our body in the form of triglycerides in adipose tissues. During exercise, triglycerides are broken down into free fatty acids and transported to the muscles where they are oxidised to generate energy. This process leads to fat loss. Regular exercise renders weight control through oxidation of fats and improved metabolism. Losing fat helps in cultivating a positive body image and also leads to a decreased risk of health problems such as diabetes, heart diseases, arthritis, high blood pressure, and cancer. How efficiently people respond to exercise in terms of breaking down of triglycerides, transportation of free fatty acids, and subsequently, oxidation of these fatty acids depends on their genetics.

Resistance training helps to build both slow and fast twitch muscle depending on how you are going to put stress on the particular muscle group. For example, if you include high repetition with short recovery periods, you will be putting stress on slow twitch and thus, be moulding them. If you reduce the repetition and increase the recovery period while increasing the load, then you will be building type 2 or fast twitch/ glycolytic muscle fibre.

Aerobic capacity (or VO2 Max or Lung Capacity) is the volume of oxygen uptake during maximum efforts. It is one of the important pillars of athletic performance.

Endurance is the ability of the body to sustain a physical activity for a prolonged period of time. A high endurance capacity indicates that an individual can take up mild to moderate intensity activities for a prolonged duration with minimal discomforts like breathlessness and fatigue. Endurance performance is dictated by factors such as the aerobic capacity, fat oxidation, aerobic metabolism, lactate threshold, exercise economy, and percentage of slow twitch muscle fibers. Genetics play a big role in these factors, and hence dictate whether an individual is suited for endurance activities or not.

Sprinting relates to power, a rapid burst of energy and optimum energy utilization for high intensity activities for shorter durations. Type II or fast twitch muscle fibers allow us to perform rapid, high intensity exercises. Additionally, the adaptability of the blood vessels to construct and make the oxygen utilization more efficient is also important for sprinting. We have analysed variants in genes which determine the percentage distribution of muscle fibers (slow twitch and fast twitch) and the ability to exert maximal power over a short period of time.

Anaerobic capacity is the total amount of energy obtainable from the anaerobic energy systems. The better able your anaerobic energy systems are at utilising energy and recovering, the higher the intensity you are able to maintain. By increasing anaerobic capacity you will be able to buffer more lactate at a faster rate, produce and use more anaerobic enzymes and continue turning body fuels into useable energy for immediate access. We have analysed genes that have shown to be associated with anaerobic threshold.

Power is the ability of the muscles to generate large forces at a rapid rate, as observed during high intensity activities of shorter duration. Activities such as jumping, powerlifting, sprinting, bodybuilding, and short-distance swimming utilize the power generation capabilities of the muscle. Generally, a greater power output directly translates into improved performance in such activities. Genetics play a big role in the power generation capabilities of an individual, and hence dictate whether an individual is suited for power activities or not.

Exercise puts stress on the muscles, which leads to damage. Low level damage is essential for the muscles to grow and adapt to the exercise stimuli. However, if a muscle gets excessively damaged, it can lead to muscle strains. A strain is a contraction-induced injury in which muscle fibers tear due to extensive mechanical stress. Other muscle injuries include bruises, neuromuscular disorders, and cramps. Muscle injuries result in pain, functional loss of the involved muscle, and hence an inability to perform the particular exercise/sport. An individual’s genetic profile can dictate their propensity for muscle injuries.

Do you normally feel extremely tired, stripped of all energy after exercise? If yes, the answer to this may be in the expression of certain variations in your genes. When muscles use up energy (through lactate) during physical activity, there are chances of lactate build up which is a major cause of muscle fatigue. Apart from this, exercise-induced rise in inflammation and sub-optimal flexibility are other contributing factors for muscle fatigue. Your ability to resist muscle fatigue is the deciding factor for how long you can exercise and also the intensity of the exercise that is well suited for your body.

The achilles tendon attaches muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. It is the thickest tendon in the human body. Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury that is common, especially to people performing running and jumping activities, due to the repetitive action at the achilles tendon. It can also be caused by other factors such as trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, wearing high heel shoes, and certain medications. Symptoms can vary from an ache or pain and swelling in the local area of the ankles to a burning sensation that surrounds the whole joint. The pain associated with this condition is usually worse during and after activity and the tendon and joint area can become stiffer the following day, as swelling hampers the movement of the tendon.

There are four main ligaments which connect the thigh bone to the shin bone at the knee joint, the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of them. The ACL serves several functions, making it extremely essential for providing stability to the knee joint and aiding in its function. It prevents the shin bone from moving too far forward with respect to the thigh bone. It prevents excessive internal rotation of the shin bone and knee hyperextension beyond the point of maximal knee extension. Lastly, it also helps protect the knee from excessive sideways forces such as when a rugby player is tackled from the side. ACL injuries most commonly occur during activities that involve sudden stops, jumping or changes in direction, performed with improper technique. An ACL tear is one of the most common knee injuries, requiring a complex surgery with a prolonged recovery time usually ranging from 6-9 months. Therefore, gauging a person’s risk for ACL injury is absolutely essential before undertaking such activities which can potentially damage the ACL.

Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, is a condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. It occurs when tendons in the elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arms. It is commonly observed in people undertaking racquet sports. However, other activities eliciting such repetitive motions can also cause tennis elbow. A repetitive motion like gripping a racket during a swing can strain the muscles and put too much stress on the tendons. This constant tugging can eventually cause small tears in the tissue, leading to injury.

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as type 2 diabetes.

Obesity is a condition involving excessive body fat that increases the risk of health problems. Obesity often results from taking in more calories than are burned by exercise and normal daily activities. Obesity occurs when a person's body mass index is higher than 30. The excessive body fat increases the risk of serious health problems.

Hypertension is a condition in which the blood pressure is persistently high. Hypertension results from a complex interaction of genes and environmental factors. Lifestyle factors that increase the risk include excess salt in the diet, excess body weight, smoking, and alcohol use. Unmanaged hypertension can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other problems.

Heart Diseases describe a range of conditions that affect your heart. The term heart disease is often used interchangeably with the term cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular Diseases are characterised by a blockage in the blood vessels (mainly arteries) that supply oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the heart and/or the brain. The risk prediction for Heart Disease is based on variations in susceptibility genes for hypertension, heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest.

Stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain results in cell death. There are two main types of stroke, ischemic shock due to lack of blood flow and hemorrhagic shock due to bleeding. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die.

This is a condition where the thyroid gland secretes excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. An increase in the level of thyroid leads to excessive sweating and hunger, fatigue, heat intolerance, irritability, or restlessness. Many genetic variation in genes like TSHR (Thyroid stimulating hormone receptor) are found to increase the risk of developing hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition caused by the deficiency of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have a major role to play in metabolism. It has a direct affect on your body’s temperature, heartbeat, and how well you burn calories. Certain genetic variations like mutation in thyroid transcription factor are implicated in increasing the odds of hypothyroidism.

Cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease, is a type of progressive heart disease in which the heart is abnormally enlarged, thickened, and/or stiffened. As a result, the heart muscle's ability to pump blood is less efficient, often causing heart failure and the backup of blood into the lungs or rest of the body.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaques made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other substances build up in artery walls. With time, the plaques harden, thus narrowing the opening of the arteries and restricting the blood flow. When these fatty plaques rupture, they form a blood clot that can further limit or even block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to organs and other parts of the body.

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly restricted.The heart muscles do not recieve oxygen. If not treated quickly, the heart muscles begins to die. However, if you do receive quick treatment, you may be able prevent or limit the damage to the heart muscles.

In atrial fibrillation, the heart rate is irregular and can sometimes be very fast. In some cases, it can be considerably higher than 100 beats a minute.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term used to refer to conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.

Diabetic nephropathy is the damage caused to kidney due to high levels of blood glucose (diabetes mellitus). This occurs as a result of diabetes affecting the arteries in the body, post which the kidney filters blood from those very arteries.

Diabetic neuropathies are a family of nerve disorders caused by diabetes. Diabetics can, over time develop some degree of nerve damage throughout the body. Some people with nerve damage experience no symptoms. Others may experience symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness—loss of feeling—in the hands, arms, feet, and legs. Nerve problems can occur in every organ system, including the digestive tract, heart, and sex organs.

Certain degrees of nerve damage often lead to ineffective repairing of damaged skin, which under normal circukstances would heal normally. This can be attributed to high or regularly fluctuating levels of blood sugar. In such a condition, a mild injury can therefore cause a foot ulcer.

Cataract is a condition which is often associated with diabetes. In this condition, the eye's naturally clear lens becomes cloudy, or opaque. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by prolonged high blood glucose levels. Over time, high sugar glucose levels can weaken and damage the small blood vessels that are present within the retina.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term used to refer to conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. Diabetes is one of the major reason behind development of CVDs. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes.

A complication that arises from diabetes and affects the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). This is when high blood sugar levels cause damage to blood vessels in the retina. These blood vessels can swell and leak. Or they can shut down, stopping blood from passing through. Sometimes abnormal new blood vessels grow on.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can damage your optic nerve. The optic nerve supplies visual information to your brain from your eyes. It is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide (behind cataracts). We look at your risk for most common types of Glaucomas such as Open-Angle Glaucoma, Normal and High tension Glaucoma, Primary Congenital Glaucoma, etc.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that blurs the sharp, central vision you need for activities such as reading, sewing, and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to focus on the finer details. AMD causes no pain. There are two types of AMD- Dry AMD and Wet AMD.

Myopia, also called near-sightedness or short-sightedness is a condition in which close objects appear clearly, whereas far ones appear blurry. Near-sightedness tends to run in families. Treatment options include glasses, contact lenses and surgery.