Distribution and analysis of intraocular pressure and its possible association with glaucoma in children.

Abstract

To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma-associated factors in children. A total of 4438 children aged 7-16years (2321 boys and 2117 girls) were included in this study. Various ophthalmologic [IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), etc.] and demographic (body mass index, etc.) parameters were evaluated. IOP increased between the ages of 7 and 9years, peaking at 9years. IOP increased after reaching a trough at 11years and subsequently stabilized after 14years. Girls exhibited thinner CCT (534.28 ± 30.84µm vs. 537.04 ± 31.33µm, P = 0.003), thicker lens thickness (3.56 ± 0.21mm vs. 3.54 ± 0.20mm, P = 0.001), shorter axial length (22.91 ± 0.93mm vs. 23.32 ± 0.89mm, P < 0.001), shallower anterior chamber depth (2.92 ± 0.27mm vs. 3.00 ± 0.26mm, P < 0.001), higher refraction (- 0.57 ± 1.48 D vs. 0.16 ± 1.35 D, P < 0.001), and higher mean corneal curvature (43.77 ± 1.39 vs. 43.03 ± 1.35, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis assessed the following IOP-associated factors: thicker CCT [standardized correlation coefficient (SRC) = 0.201, P < 0.001), deeper anterior chamber depth (SRC = 0.059, P = 0.009), shorter axial length (SRC = - 0.086, P = 0.036), lower mean corneal curvature (SRC = - 0.123, P < 0.001), higher refraction (SRC = - 0.090, P < 0.001). IOP fluctuated in children, and a trend toward a higher mean IOP between the ages of 9 and 11years, which stabilized after 14years, was observed. IOP was associated with CCT, anterior chamber depth, axial length, lens thickness, mean corneal curvature, spherical equivalent, and systolic blood pressure.