Mean Spherical Equivalent Refraction Research Articles

Impact of proxymetacaine on the dynamics of cyclopentolate in White 6- to 7-year-olds.

This study compared the efficacy of cyclopentolate hydrochloride at 10-, 20- and 30-min post-instillation in White 6- to 7-year-olds, with and without prior instillation of proxymetacaine hydrochloride. The primary aim was to determine if accurate autorefraction values can be obtained sooner than the current standard of 30-min post-cycloplegia. The secondary aim was to investigate whether proxymetacaine hydrochloride enhances the efficiency of cyclopentolate. Participants were 112 White 6- to 7-year-olds from the Child Eye Health Study. The right eye received 0.5% proxymetacaine hydrochloride and 1.0% cyclopentolate hydrochloride, and the left eye received only 1.0% cyclopentolate hydrochloride. Non-cycloplegic and cycloplegic refractive error (at 0, 10, 20 and 30 min) was measured using a binocular, open-field autorefractometer. Data were analysed through paired t-tests, concordance analysis, linear regression, equivalence testing and Bland-Altman analysis, using the 95% limits of agreement. Mean spherical equivalent refraction (SER) (SD) in the right eye at 0-, 10-, 20- and 30-min post-instillation was 0.62 (1.45) D, 1.52 (1.80) D, 1.64 (1.81) D and 1.72 (1.80) D, respectively. Mean left eye SER (SD) were 0.68 (1.24) D, 1.42 (1.66) D, 1.56 (1.66) D and 1.68 (1.72) D, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis showed a high level of agreement, and equivalence testing confirmed that there was no clinically significant difference in SER at 20 and 30 min in both eyes (within ±0.50 D), with mean differences of 0.08 (0.23) D in the right eye and 0.13 (0.30) D in the left eye (p = 0.21). However, SER at 10 and 30 min were equivalent in the right eye only. Accurate autorefraction values can be obtained 20-min post-instillation of 1.0% cyclopentolate in white children aged 6-7 years, potentially reducing clinical testing times. Proxymetacaine pre-instillation allows for reliable measurements as early as 10-min post-instillation of cyclopentolate. Further research is needed to validate these findings in non-White populations and to determine the safe discharge time post-proxymetacaine instillation.

Age-specific distribution of oculometric parameters and myopia in children aged 8-12y.

To describe the distribution of ocular biometrics and to evaluate its associations with refractive error and to assess the contribution from ocular parameters to refractive error among Chinese myopic children. This cross-sectional study evaluated subjects aged 8-12y. Keratometry, ocular biometry, and cycloplegic autorefraction were performed on each subject. Spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and ocular biometrics were assessed as a function of age and gender. The Pearson correlation analysis between SER and ocular biometrics was carried out. Multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the association between SER and ocular parameters. A total of 689 out of 735 participants (321 boys, 48.1%) were analyzed, with a mean SER of -2.98±1.47 diopter (D). Axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal radius of curvature (CR), horizontal visible iris diameter (HVID), central corneal thickness (CCT) and lens power (LP) showed normal distribution. The AL, AL/CR ratio, ACD and CR increased from 8 to 12y of age, while SER and LP decreased, HVID and CCT remained stable. There was no difference in gender. SER decreased by 0.929 D for every 1 mm increase in AL and decreased by 1.144 D for every 0.1 increase in AL/CR ratio. The Pearson correlation coefficient between SER and AL was -0.538 (P<0.01) and -0.747 (P<0.01) between SER and AL/CR ratio. For the SER variance, AL explained 29.0%, AL/CR ratio explained 55.7%, while AL, CR, ACD and LP explained 99.3% after adjusting for age and gender. The AL, CR, ACD and LP are the most important determinants of myopic refractive error during myopia progression.

Inner Retinal Microvasculature With Refraction in Juvenile Rhesus Monkeys.

To characterize inner retinal microvasculature of rhesus monkeys with a range of refractive errors using optical coherence tomography angiography. Refractive error was induced in right eyes of 18 rhesus monkeys. At 327 to 347days of age, axial length and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were measured, and optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography scans (Spectralis, Heidelberg) were collected. Magnification-corrected metrics included foveal avascular zone area and perfusion density, fractal dimension, and lacunarity of the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) in the central 1-mm diameter and 1.0- to 1.5-mm, 1.5- to 2.0-mm, and 2.0- to 2.5-mm annuli. Pearson correlations were used to explore relationships. The mean SER and axial length were 0.78 ± 4.02 D (-7.12 to +7.13 D) and 17.96 ± 1.08mm (16.41 to 19.93mm), respectively. The foveal avascular zone area and SVC perfusion density were correlated with retinal thickness for the central 1mm (P < 0.05). SVC perfusion density of 2.0- to 2.5-mm annulus decreased with increasing axial length (P < 0.001). SVC and DVC fractal dimensions of 2.0- to 2.5-mm were correlated with axial length and SER, and DVC lacunarity of 1.5- to 2.0-mm annulus was correlated with axial length (P < 0.05). Several inner retinal microvasculature parameters were associated with increasing axial length and SER in juvenile rhesus monkeys. These findings suggest that changes in retinal microvasculature could be indicators of refractive error development. In juvenile rhesus monkeys, increasing myopic refraction and axial length are associated with alterations in the inner retinal microvasculature, which may have implications in myopia-related changes in humans.

Evaluating a web-based visual acuity and refractive error self-assessment tool in myopic children.

Demands for myopia management are rising. A web-based tool that allows home-performed self-assessments of visual acuity (VA) and refractive error may enable hybrid care pathways and aid in identifying those with deteriorating visual performance. The tool has been validated in adult populations, but has yet to be evaluated in children. This study compared home-performed VA and refraction self-assessments to conventional measurements obtained at the clinic in a population of myopic children. Myopic children aged ≥6 years old were invited to perform web-based eye tests at home, assisted by a parent. At two myopia control clinics, they also underwent measurements of VA using a Snellen chart and refractive error using cycloplegic autorefraction. Agreement between the tests, repeatability of the web-based test and associations between clinical characteristics and web-based test accuracy were evaluated. A total of 147 children were enrolled, of whom 116 (51% male; mean age 13 ± 3 years; mean spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) -5.58 ± 3.05) performed the web-based tests at home. Overall, the home-performed VA self-assessment and the Snellen chart assessment at the clinic agreed well (mean difference 0.03 ± 0.11 logMAR). A significant proportional bias was identified (β 0.65, p < 0.001), indicating underestimated web-based VA scores when the child's vision declined. The sensitivity to detect VA poorer than 0.10 logMAR was 94%; the specificity was 71%. The web-based refractive error algorithm measured more myopia progression compared to clinic observations (mean difference SEQ 0.40 ± 0.51 dioptres). Age, sex or use of atropine drops were not significantly associated with test accuracy. The web-based test for self-assessing vision, performed at home by children with assistance from their parents, yielded VA scores with a precision similar to Snellen chart testing conducted in a clinical setting. However, the web-based refractive error algorithm overestimated myopia progression and requires recalibration for this specific age group.

Visual outcomes following bilateral implantation of a non-diffractive extended depth of focus toric intraocular lens using a mini-monovision approach.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes following bilateral implantation of the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ toric extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL). Prospective interventional case series. Patients with bilateral significant cataracts and pre-existing corneal astigmatism underwent cataract surgery and implantation with the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ toric IOL. Dominant eyes were targeted at emmetropia and non-dominant eyes at -0.50D. Primary endpoints were binocular uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA at 66cm) and near (UNVA at 40cm) acuities at 3months. Secondary outcomes were corrected distance (CDVA), distance corrected intermediate (DCIVA) and distance corrected near (DCNVA), refractive predictability, rotational stability, binocular defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, Questionnaire for Visual Disturbances (QUVID) and Visual Function Index (VF-14) questionnaire scores. All visual acuities were converted to logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) for analysis. 30 patients underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. The mean binocular UDVA, UIVA and UNVA were 0.06 ± 0.12, 0.11 ± 0.10 and 0.26 ± 0.10 respectively. The mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) for dominant and non-dominant eyes were - 0.07D ± 0.27 and - 0.12D ± 0.54 respectively. 92.4% of dominant eyes and 84.6% of non-dominant eyes within 0.50D of target. The mean IOL rotation was 3.85° ± 5.09 with 86.7% of eyes with less than 5° of rotation. 26.7%, 20% and 36.7% of patients reported starbursts, haloes and glare respectively. The mean VF-14 score was 91.77. Bilateral implantation of the AcrySof™ IQ Vivity™ Toric IOL resulted in very good unaided visual acuities for far and intermediate distance with functional near vision. Dysphotopsias were reported but despite this, a high level of visual function was achieved.

Anterior chamber and angle characteristics in Chinese children (6–11 years old) with different refractive status using swept-source optical coherence tomography

BackgroundThe anatomic structure of the anterior chamber (AC) helps to explain differences in refractive status in school-aged children and is closely associated with primary angle closure (PAC). The aim of this study was to quantify and analyze the anterior chamber and angle (ACA) characteristics in Chinese children with different refractive status by swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).MethodsIn a cross-sectional observational study, 383 children from two primary schools in Shandong Province, China, underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. First, the anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber width (ACW), angle-opening distance (AOD), and trabecular-iris space area (TISA) were evaluated automatically using a CASIA2 imaging device. AOD and TISA were measured at 500, 750 μm nasal (N1 and N2, respectively), and temporal (T1 and T2, respectively) to the scleral spur (SS). Cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) were then measured. According to spherical equivalent refraction (SER), the children were assigned to hyperopic (SER > 0.50D), emmetropic (-0.50D < SER ≤ 0.50D), and myopic groups (SER ≤ -0.50D).ResultsOut of the 383 children, 349 healthy children (160 girls) with a mean age of 8.23 ± 1.06 years (range: 6–11 years) were included. The mean SER and AL were − 0.10 ± 1.57D and 23.44 ± 0.95 mm, respectively. The mean ACD and ACW were 3.17 ± 0.24 mm and 11.69 ± 0.43 mm. The mean AOD were 0.72 ± 0.25, 0.63 ± 0.22 mm at N1, T1, and 0.98 ± 0.30, 0.84 ± 0.27 mm at N2, T2. The mean TISA were 0.24 ± 0.09, 0.22 ± 0.09mm2 at N1, T1, and 0.46 ± 0.16, 0.40 ± 0.14mm2 at N2, T2. The myopic group had the deepest AC and the widest angle. Compared with boys, girls had shorter AL, shallower ACD, narrower ACW, and ACA (all p < 0.05). By Pearson’s correlation analysis, SER was negatively associated with ACD, AOD, and TISA. AL was positively associated with ACD, ACW, AOD, and TISA. In the multiple regression analysis, AOD and TISA were associated with deeper ACD, narrower ACW, and longer AL.ConclusionIn primary school students, the myopic eyes have deeper AC and wider angle. ACD, ACW, AOD, and TISA all increase with axial elongation. ACA is highly correlated with deeper ACD.

Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy for Myopia Control in High Myopia Children and Adolescents: A Randomized Clinical Trial

To assess the effectiveness and safety of repeated low-level red light (RLRL), which is a newly available treatment for myopia control in children and adolescents with high myopia. Multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, single-blind clinical trial (randomized controlled trial; NCT05184621). Between February 2021 and April 2022, 192 children aged 6 to 16 years were enrolled. Each child had at least 1 eye with myopia of cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SER) at least -4.0 diopters (D), astigmatism of ≤2.0 D, anisometropia of ≤3.0 D, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution or better. Follow-up was completed by April2023. Participants were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to intervention (RLRL treatment plus single-vision spectacles) or control (single-vision spectacles) groups. The RLRL treatment was administered for 3 minutes per session, twice daily with a minimum interval of 4 hours, 7 days per week. The primary outcome and key secondary outcome were changes in axial length (AL) and cycloplegic SER measured at baseline and the 12-month follow-up visit. Participants who had at least 1 postrandomization follow-up visit were analyzed for treatment efficacy. Among 192 randomized participants, 188 (97.91%) were included in the analyses (96 in the RLRL group and 92 in the control group). After 12 months, the adjusted mean change in AL was -0.06 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.10 to -0.02 mm) and 0.34 mm (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.39 mm) in the intervention andcontrol groups, respectively. A total of 48 participants (53.3%) in the intervention group were still experiencing axial shortening >0.05 mm at the 12-month follow-up. The mean SER change after 12 months was 0.11 D (95% CI, 0.02to 0.19 D) and -0.75 D (95% CI, -0.88 to -0.62 D) in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Repeated low-level red light demonstrates stronger treatment efficacy among those with high myopia, with 53.3% experiencing substantial axial shortening. Repeated low-level red light provides an excellent solution for the management of high myopia progression, a significant challenge in ophthalmology practice. The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Treatment outcome in refractive accommodative esotropia

Background Accommodative esotropia (ET) usually presents in preschool years. It is often intermittent, and the deviation is typically eliminated by controlling the accommodative effort with optical correction of hypermetropia. Objective The aim of this study was to document the clinical features and to assess the functional outcome in patients with refractive accommodative esotropia (RAE) in terms of amblyopia and binocular vision and to analyze the possible risk factors involving the development of amblyopia. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of 60 patients diagnosed with fully accommodative esotropia (FAET). Multiple parameters were reviewed, including age of onset, age of initiation of treatment, initial and final cycloplegic refraction, distance and near deviation with and without glasses, stereoacuity, presence of anisometropia, and change in hyperopia. Results The mean age of onset and age of initiation of treatment were 2.53±1.42 and 2.73±1.25 years, respectively. The mean spherical equivalent refraction at the initial visit was +5.36±1.48 diopters (D) in the right eyes and +5.62±1.43 D in the left eyes. Anisometropia was present in 33.33% of the patients. Fusion was achieved in 90% of the patients, with 38 (63.33%) patients having stereopsis ranging from 40–100 sec/arc and 22 (36.67%) having stereopsis between 100 and 200 sec/arc with the Titmus fly test. Amblyopia was reduced from 50% to 16.67%. Anisometropia was found to be the only statistically significant risk factor for the development of amblyopia (P&lt;0.001). Hypermetropia showed a tendency either to remain stable or to increase over the first seven years of life and then tended to decrease. Conclusion Most of the patients with FAET have an excellent outcome in terms of visual acuity and binocular vision. Amblyopia is common among patients with RAE and the current management strategies resulted in marked reduction in the prevalence of amblyopia.

Atropine 0.01% Eye Drops for Myopia Control in a tertiary care center of Pakistan: An interventional case series

Purpose: To evaluate the real time results of once-dailyAtropine 0.01% eye drops in controlling myopia. Study Design: Interventional case series. Place and Duration of Study: The Eye Centre, South City Hospital, Karachi from September 2020 to August 2021. Methods: One hundred(both) eyes of 50 children were included in the study using non-probability consecutive sampling technique. Baseline spherical equivalent refraction(SER) was recorded at the initiation of treatment.The endpoint was measuring the rate of progression in SER at one year after treatment. Responders weredefined as the ones with either no progression of myopia or worsening of myopia of ≤ -0.50 SER and non-responders were defined as ones with a progression rate of myopia of greater than0.50 SER. Results: The baseline means SER for 100 eyes was 3.25±1.37 D. On follow-up after 12 months of treatment with Atropine 0.01% eye drops, the mean SER was -3.74 ± 1.34 D. The rate of SER progression was significantly lower at one year follow-up (p-value&lt;0.001). The percentage of responders was84%. Conclusion: Significant reduction in myopia progression occurred after treatment with Atropine 0.01% eye drops in a greater percentage of children. This has led us to be confident in providing Atropine 0.01% eye drops along with simple spectacles as an effective treatment strategy to control myopia progression.

Surgical outcomes of intraocular lens iris suture fixation in eyes with residual capsule support

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and refractive outcomes of eyes after intraocular lens (IOL) iris suture fixation (ISF). Setting: Private practice, Los Angeles, California. Design: Nonrandomized and unmasked retrospective chart review. Methods: Eyes that underwent IOL exchange or repositioning with ISF with at least 270 degrees of capsular support were included. Eyes with less than 270 degrees of capsular support and eyes with iris damage were excluded. The primary outcome measures included incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME), IOL dislocation requiring refixation, and chronic inflammation. Secondary outcome measures included worsening intraocular pressure (IOP) control, retinal tear or detachment, worsening of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and corneal decompensation. Refractive outcomes for 26 subgrouped eyes included mean and median spherical equivalent refraction accuracy (SERA), and percentage of eyes within 0.5 diopter (D) and 1 D of the refractive target. Results: The study included 53 eyes of 50 patients. CME: 2/53 (3.8%), IOL dislocation requiring refixation: 2/53 (3.8%), chronic inflammation: 1/53 (1.9%), worsening IOP control: 5/53 (9.4%), retinal tear or detachment: 2/53 (3.8%). No patient experienced worsening of CDVA from baseline or corneal decompensation. Mean SERA ± SD −0.35 ± 0.29 D, median SERA −0.37 D. Of the 26 eyes subgrouped for refractive analysis, 73% were within 0.5 D and 100% were within 1 D of the desired refractive outcome. Conclusions: ISF can offer stability for sulcus-fixated IOLs provided there is some residual capsule support. Although there are measurable complications, there is a relatively low side effect profile. The refractive error tended to be myopic, indicating the need for further refinement of IOL power predictive formulas.

Peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes in highly myopic Chinese children and adolescents

PurposeThis study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence and related factors of peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes in highly myopic Chinese children and adolescents.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was designed. A total of 120 subjects with high myopia were recruited and underwent cycloplegic refraction, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the factors associated with peripheral and posterior pole retinal changes.ResultsThe mean spherical equivalent refraction of the subjects was − 8.74 ± 2.86 D, and the mean age was 11.45 ± 3.02 years. Snowflake retinal degeneration (27.5%), white without pressure (27.5%), snail-track degeneration (15%), and lattice degeneration (15%) were the most common peripheral retinal changes, while tessellated fundus (84.17%), optic nerve crescents (78.3%), and posterior staphyloma (11.7%) were the most common posterior changes. Subjects with peripheral changes were significantly older, with thinner choroids (OR = 1.194, 95% CI: 1.045–1.363, p = 0.009; OR = 0.993, 95% CI: 0.987–0.999, p = 0.022, respectively). Optic nerve crescents, tessellated fundus, and posterior scleral staphyloma were all associated with thin choroids (OR = 0.990, 95% CI: 0.983–0.997, p = 0.008; OR = 0.983, 95% CI: 0.974–0.991, p < 0.001; OR = 0.974, 95% CI: 0.960–0.987, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionA substantial proportion of the subjects had peripheral and posterior retinal changes. An increased risk of retinal changes was associated with high degrees of myopia, long axial lengths, thin choroids, and older ages among 7–16-year-old individuals.

VISUAL AND REFRACTIVE OUTCOME OF NEW GENERATION SMALL INCISION LENTICULE EXTRACTION (SMILE) IN MYOPIA AND MYOPIC ASTIGMATISM

Introduction: Two main options for the surgical correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism are corneal refractive surgery and implantation of phakic intraocular lens (IOL). Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is becoming more popular technique which includes a minimally invasive flap-free procedure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the visual and refractive outcome of New Generation SMILE in myopia and myopic astigmatism. Methods: This is an observational retrospective study in patients who underwent SMILE using Visumax 800 Femtosecond laser procedure at Undaan Eye Hospital in period December 2022 to February 2023. Pre and post operative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), spherical equivalent (SE), astigmatism value, keratometry and intra ocular pressure (IOP) were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week and 1 month follow-up. Results: The study comprised 30 eyes of 15 patients age from 18 to 32 years old. The mean post operative UCVA was significantly improved to 0.03 ± 0.06 logMAR at 1-day, 0.02 ± 0.04 logMAR at 1-week and -0.01 ± 0.02 logMAR at 1-month follow-up compared to preoperative UCVA 1.35 ± 0.23 logMAR (p&lt;0.001). The mean refractive spherical equivalent was significantly changed from -4.60 ± 1.47 D preoperatively to -0.57 ± 0.38 D at 1-month follow up (p &lt; 0.001). The mean refractive astigmatism decreased from -1.02 ± 0.66 D preoperatively to -0.34 ± 0.25 D at 1- month follow up (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: New Generation of SMILE has shown good visual and refractive outcome for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatic eyes since the early phase after surgery.

Characterization the corneal transparency profile in SMILE-treated myopic patients with densitometry: A 7-year cohort study.

To investigate 7-year changes in corneal densitometry (CD) and its influencing factors following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for moderate to high myopia. A total of 32 patients (52 eyes) with a mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction of -6.30 ± 1.30 D who underwent SMILE were recruited for this prospective study. Pre- and postoperative CD and corneal aberrations were measured by an oculus Pentacam system, and patients were followed up to 7 years. The CD evolution over time and its influencing factors were explored. No complications were observed after SMILE. There was a significant time effect on postoperative CD ( P < 0.05). The CD values at the 0-to-2 and 2-to-6 mm of the anterior layer increased at the first day ( P < 0.05) and declined to baselines at 1 year postoperatively; after that, CD values at any zone and any corneal layer presented a decreasing trend over time (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that postoperative CD was positively correlated with age and optical zone (OZ), whereas negatively correlated with SE, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and corneal aberrations (higher-order aberrations, Coma0 and Coma90) (all P < 0.05). Generalized estimating equation revealed that age, SE, CDVA, OZ, and Coma0 were the main factors influencing postoperative CD values (all P < 0.05). CD manifested a long-term decreasing trend in moderate to high myopia treated with SMILE. Its main influencing factors are age, SE, CDVA, OZ, and Coma0.

Two-Year Results of 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops and 0.1% Loading Dose for Myopia Progression Reduction in Danish Children: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial.

We investigated the two-year safety and efficacy of 0.1% loading dose and 0.01% low-dose atropine eye drops in Danish children for reduction in myopia progression in an investigator-initiated, placebo-controlled, double-masked, randomized clinical trial. Ninety-seven six- to twelve-year old myopic participants were randomized to 0.1% loading dose for six months and then 0.01% for eighteen months (loading dose group, N = 33), 0.01% for two years (0.01% group, N = 32) or placebo for two years (placebo, N = 32). Axial length (AL) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and reactions, choroidal thickness, and other ocular biometrical measures. Outcomes were measured from baseline and at six-month intervals. Individual eyes nested by participant ID were analyzed with linear-mixed model analysis. Data were analyzed with intention-to-treat. Mean AL was 0.08 mm less (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.01; 0.17, p-value = 0.08) in the 0.1% loading dose and 0.10 mm less (95% CI: 0.01; 0.19, p-value = 0.02) in the 0.01% group after two years of treatment compared to placebo. Mean SER progression was 0.12 D (95% CI: -0.10; 0.33) less in the loading dose and 0.26 D (95% CI: 0.04; 0.48) less in the 0.01% groups after two years of treatment compared to placebo (p-value = 0.30 and 0.02, respectively). In total, 17 adverse events were reported in the second-year follow-up, and all were rated as mild. Adjusting for iris color did not affect treatment effect estimates. Intra-ocular pressure increased over two years comparably between all groups but remained within normal limits. Two-year treatment with 0.01% low-dose atropine eye drops is a safe and moderately efficacious intervention in Danish children for reducing myopia progression.

Refractive outcomes following silicone oil tamponade in vitreoretinal surgery.

To evaluate the factors influencing the refractive outcomes following silicone oil tamponade (SOT) and silicone oil removal (SOR) in different lens statuses post-vitreoretinal surgery. Retrospective analysis of three different lens statuses. This was a descriptive study that included 150 eyes of 147 patients who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy with SOT and SOR between January 2017 and June 2021. Demographic profile, spherical equivalent refraction (SER), and its association with clinical features were evaluated with SOT and post-SOR. The mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age was 47 ± 17.8 years, including all three groups. SER was represented in diopters (D). The mean ± SD refraction with SOT in phakic, pseudophakic, and aphakic was 4.28 ± 2.59 D, 2.94 ± 2.58 D, and 3.98 ± 4.82 D. The mean SER post-SOR in phakic, pseudophakic, and aphakic was -2.72 ± 2.03 D, -1.12 ± 1.41 D, and 8.22 ± 3.70 D. The diagnosis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) among 96 eyes (64%) is the common indicator to perform vitreoretinal (VR) surgery. A minority of subjects were managed with retinal lasers before VR surgery (14%). The macula was attached in 100 eyes (67.6%), the belt buckle was done in 37 eyes (24.7%), and the silicone oil viscosity with 1000 centistoke was chosen in 129 eyes (86%). SOT was used as a tamponade in VR surgeries irrespective of lens status. The significant predictor for post-SOR refraction in phakic and aphakic is post-SOT refraction. In pseudophakic, gender and diagnosis of RRD are the predictors of SOR refraction.

Whole-Exome Sequencing Among School-Aged Children With High Myopia

High myopia (HM) is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide. Genetic factors are known to play an important role in the development of HM. To identify risk variants in a large HM cohort and to examine the implications of genetic testing of schoolchildren with HM. This cohort study retrospectively reviewed whole-exome sequencing (WES) results in 6215 schoolchildren with HM who underwent genetic testing between September 2019 and July 2020 in Wenzhou City, China. HM is defined as a spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of -6.00 diopters (D) or less. The study setting was a genetic testing laboratory and a multicenter school census. Data were analyzed from July 2021 to June 2022. The frequency and distribution of positive germline variants, the percentage of individuals with HM in both eyes, and subsequent variant yield for common high myopia (CHM; -8.00 D ≤ SER ≤ -6.00 D), ultra myopia (UM; -10.00 D ≤ SER < -8.00 D), and extreme myopia (EM; SER < -10.00 D). Of the 6215 schoolchildren with HM, 3278 (52.74%) were male. Their mean (SD) age was 14.87 (2.02) years, including 355 students in primary school, 1970 in junior high school, and 3890 in senior high school. The mean (SD) SER was -7.51 (-1.36) D for the right eye and -7.46 (-1.34) D for the left eye. Among schoolchildren with HM, genetic testing yielded 271 potential pathogenic variants in 75 HM candidate genes in 964 diagnoses (15.52%). A total of 36 known variants were found in 490 HM participants (7.88%) and 235 protein-truncating variants (PTVs) in 506 participants (8.14%). Involved variant yield was significantly positively associated with SER (Cochran-Armitage test for trend Z = 2.5492; P = .01), which ranged from 7.66% in the CHM group, 8.70% in the UM group, to 11.90% in the EM group. We also found that primary school students with EM had the highest variant yield of PTVs (8 of 35 students [22.86%]), which was 1.77 and 4.78 times that of the UM and CHM, respectively. In this cohort study of WES for HM, several potential pathogenic variants were identified in a substantial number of schoolchildren with HM. The high variation frequency in younger students with EM can provide clues for genetic screening and clinical examinations of HM to promote long-term follow-up assessment.

Clinical Outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-assisted Implantation of 325-Degree Versus 340-Degree Arc Length Intracorneal Ring Segments in Naive Keratoconic Eyes.

To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes after femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of 325-degree versus 340-degree arc length intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in eyes with keratoconus (KCN). In this prospective non-randomized interventional case series, 23 eyes of 21 patients diagnosed with KCN, underwent femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of two types of ICRS, which included a 325-degree ICRS (Group 325) and a 340-degree ICRS (Group 340). The primary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and the secondary outcome measures included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), sphere, cylinder, mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), keratometry, vectorial change in corneal astigmatism, and the location of maximum keratometry relative to the corneal apex. The study groups were compared using the primary and secondary outcome measures obtained at postoperative months six and 12. Groups 325 and 340 consisted of 10 and 13 eyes, respectively. The two groups were comparable in terms of parameters measured preoperatively. On comparison to the baseline values, both study groups exhibited a significant increase in UDVA and CDVA measured at postoperative month six (Ps 0.05) and a significant decrease in the sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent refraction, and keratometry readings measured at postoperative months six and 12 (Ps 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes at any time point. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the study groups. Both the 325-degree ICRS and the 340-degree ICRS effectively and equally improved visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes in keratoconic eyes.

The Impact of Parental Myopia and High Myopia on the Hyperopia Reserve of Preschool Children

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the association between parental myopia and high myopia with children’s refraction and ocular biometry in large-scale Chinese preschool children from the Beijing Hyperopia Reserve Study. Subjects/Methods: This cross-sectional kindergarten-based study enrolled children aged 3–6 years. Cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), and corneal radius (CR) were measured for all children. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire about refractive status (no myopia, mild myopia <−3 D, moderate myopia ≥−3 D and ≤−6, and high myopia >−6 D). Results: The study enrolled 2,053 children (1,069 boys and 984 girls), with a mean age of 4.26 ± 0.96 years and mean spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of 1.11 ± 0.97 diopter. Of the children, 90.7% had at least one myopic parent, and 511 children (24.9%) had at least one highly myopic parent. SER decreased significantly with increasing severity of parental myopia (p < 0.001). Preschool children’s myopia was independently associated with parental myopia (OR, 10.4 and 11.5 for one and two highly myopic parent[s]). Age (OR = 1.1), gender (OR = 1.7; girls as references), near work time (OR = 1.2), and both maternal (OR, 1.4 and 2.0 for moderate and high myopia) and paternal myopia (OR, 1.6 and 1.9 for moderate and high myopia) were independent risk factors for lacking hyperopia reserve. Conclusion: Severe parental myopia was associated with a lower SER, longer AL, and higher AL/CR ratio in preschool children. Parental myopia and near work may predispose children to faster elimination of hyperopia reserves before exposure to higher educational stress.

Safety and efficacy of 0.01% and 0.1% low-dose atropine eye drop regimens for reduction of myopia progression in Danish children: a randomized clinical trial examining one-year effect and safety

BackgroundTo investigate the efficacy and safety of 0.1% and 0.01% low-dose atropine eye drops in reducing myopia progression in Danish children.MethodsInvestigator-initiated, placebo-controlled, double-masked, randomized clinical trial. Ninety-seven six- to twelve-year old myopic participants were randomized to 0.1% loading dose for six months followed by 0.01% for six months (loading dose group, Number (N) = 33), 0.01% for twelve months (0.01% group, N = 32) or vehicle for twelve months (placebo, N = 32). Primary outcomes were axial length and spherical equivalent refraction. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and reactions, choroidal thickness and ocular biometry. Outcomes were measured at baseline and three-month intervals. Data was analyzed with linear-mixed model analysis according to intention-to-treat.ResultsMean axial elongation was 0.10 mm less (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.17; 0.02, adjusted-p = 0.06) in the 0.1% loading dose and 0.07 mm less (95% CI: 0.15; 0.00, adjusted-p = 0.16) in the 0.01% group at twelve months compared to placebo. Mean spherical equivalent refraction progression was 0.24 D (95% CI: 0.05; 0.42) less in the loading dose and 0.19 D (95% CI: 0.00; 0.38) less in the 0.01% groups at twelve months, compared to placebo (adjusted-p = 0.06 and 0.14, respectively). A total of 108 adverse events were reported during the initial six-month loading dose period, primarily in the loading dose group, and 14 were reported in the six months following dose switching, all deemed mild except two serious adverse events, unrelated to the intervention.ConclusionsLow-dose atropine eye drops are safe over twelve months in otherwise healthy children. There may be a modest but clinically relevant reduction in myopia progression in Danish children after twelve months treatment, but the effect was statistically non-significant after multiple comparisons adjustment. After dose-switching at six months the loading dose group approached the 0.01% group, potentially indicating an early “rebound-effect”.Trial registrationthis study was registered in the European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT, number: 2018-001286-16) 05/11/2018 and first posted at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03911271) 11/04/2019, prior to initiation.

Prevalence Trend of Myopia during the Post-COVID-19 Epidemic Period among Preschoolers: A Prospective School-based Study.

Changes in behavior and lifestyle during the post-COVID-19 epidemic may have some impact on myopia rates in preschoolers, and exploring the changes in myopia rates in preschool children may inform the formulation of myopia prevention and control policies. To investigate the prevalence of myopia in preschool children during the post-COVID-19 epidemic period in Xuzhou, China. A series of cross-sectional school-based studies was conducted. A total of 117,632 preschool children aged 3 to 6 years were subjected to annual vision screening from 2019 to 2021. Spot photo screening was used to record the spherical equivalent refraction for each child and to analyze the prevalence of myopia by age, sex, and region during the post-COVID-19 epidemic period. A total of 113,979 preschool children were included in the analysis, of whom 60784 (53.3%) were males and 53195 (46.7%) were females. For all children, the mean spherical equivalent refraction in 2019, 2020 and 2021 was +0.32 ± 0.50 D, +0.34 ± 0.55 D, and + 0.34 ± 0.54 D, respectively (all P < .05), indicative of a very slight hyperopic shift. In all age groups, the change in mean spherical equivalent refraction and its distribution were relatively stable. From 2019 to 2021, the overall prevalence of myopia in preschool children was 3.1%, 3.3%, and 3.5%, respectively. The rise in myopia rates was minimal. The largest increase in the annual prevalence of myopia was seen among children aged 6, at 0.5%, followed by those aged 5 (0.4%) and aged 3 (0.4%). The prevalence was higher in males than females, and in urban versus rural areas. During the post-COVID-19 epidemic period, the refractive status of Xuzhou preschool children remained stable.