Clinical findings before the onset of myopia in youth. I. Ocular optical components

Optom Vis Sci. 1995 Dec;72(12):870-8. doi: 10.1097/00006324-199512000-00005.

Abstract

Purpose: A study was conducted to identify variables that were different in children who were emmetropic and became myopic and in children who remained emmetropic.

Methods: A cohort of initially emmetropic children had eye and vision examinations at 6-month intervals for a period of 3 years. Ocular optical components were measured by keratometry and ultrasonography. Crystalline lens power was calculated using Bennett's formulas.

Results: There was a tendency for keratometer power of both principal meridians to be greater in the became-myopic group than in the remained-emmetropic group. Axial length to corneal radius (AL/CR) ratio was significantly greater in the became-myopic group than in the remained-emmetropic group. The variable with the highest sensitivity and specificity was the AL/CR ratio using the horizontal meridian corneal radius.

Conclusions: Greater corneal powers and greater AL/CR ratios are risk factors for youth onset myopia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anterior Chamber / physiology
  • Child
  • Cornea / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lens, Crystalline / physiology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Myopia / etiology
  • Myopia / physiopathology*
  • Ocular Physiological Phenomena
  • Prospective Studies