Negative correlation between aqueous vascular endothelial growth factor levels and axial length

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the aqueous humor and axial length.

Methods: Aqueous humor samples were obtained from 60 eyes of 60 patients without ocular diseases other than cataracts. No patients with diabetes mellitus were included. The VEGF concentration in the aqueous humor was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The VEGF concentrations in the aqueous humor samples ranged from 25 to 241 pg/ml [mean ± standard deviation (SD), 116.6 ± 46.7 pg/ml]. The axial lengths ranged from 20.98 to 31.95 mm (mean ± SD, 24.09 ± 2.06 mm). The VEGF concentrations in the aqueous humor samples were correlated with axial length (Pearson product moment correlation test, ρ = -0.373; P = 0.003).

Conclusions: The concentration of VEGF in the aqueous humor is negatively correlated with axial length.