OPHTHALMIC CHANGES FROM AGE OF 10 TO 18 YEARS

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Abstract
Vitreous and axial length were studied; this completes an analysis of changes in eye size during adolescence [in humans]. The sample is divided into 70 with low birth weight [LBW] (< 2000 g) and 67 full-term controls (FT). A basic pubertal axial growth of .apprx. 0.4-0.5 mm is found in refractively static eyes; this is contrary to previous studies on the early arrest of eye growth. Eyes with progressive myopia elongate even more, due mainly to vitreous elongation. The previously reported 10 yr LBW ocular size deficit remains an adult feature, even in seemingly normal eyes. There is a parallel permanent lack of catching-up also regarding height, head circumference and some other anthropometric parameters. Two classical rules of thumb discussed are that a 1 mm axial length change coincides with 3 D [diopter] refractive change, and that emmetropic eye length is 2.4 mm. Both statements must be modified, according to biological variation and the weak correlation between most refractive parameters.

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