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Published on: September 16, 2025
Peripheral refraction profiles in subjects with low foveal refractive errors
Juan Tabernero1, Arne Ohlendorf, M Dominik Fischer
1Departamento de Física, Laboratorio de Optica, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo (Edificio CiOyN), Murcia, Spain. juant@um.es
Summary
The "box model" best describes peripheral refraction in nearly 50% of individuals with low refractive error. High variability suggests personalized lens designs may be needed to manage myopia progression.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Peripheral refraction significantly influences visual perception and eye growth.
- Understanding refractive error variability is crucial for developing effective myopia control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the diverse patterns of peripheral refractive error in individuals with low foveal refractive errors.
- To identify the most common model describing peripheral refraction profiles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an angular scanning photorefractor to map refractive error across the central 45° of the visual field.
- Applied four distinct models (flat, parabolic, bi-linear, box) to characterize refraction profiles.
- Classified 43 subjects based on the best-fitting model to their peripheral refraction data.
Main Results:
- The
- box model
- effectively described peripheral refractions in approximately 50% of subjects.
- Significant variability in peripheral refraction was observed, ranging from -0.75 to 6 diopters at 45° eccentricity.
- Other models (linear, flat, parabolic) characterized the remaining subjects' refraction patterns.
Conclusions:
- The
- box model
- represents the most prevalent peripheral refraction profile in this population.
- The substantial inter-subject variability in peripheral refraction may hinder the efficacy of uniform lens designs for myopia control.
- A customized approach to lens design is recommended for managing myopia progression due to individual refractive variations.
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