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Optic Disc Ovality in Primary School Children in Beijing
Yin Guo1, Li Juan Liu2, Liang Xu2
1Tongren Eye Care Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China 2Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|July 23, 2015
Summary
Optic disc ovality was found in 6.6% of Beijing school children, a rate much higher than in older adults. This finding may link to increased myopia progression in children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Optometry
Background:
- Myopia is a growing public health concern, particularly among children.
- The optic disc's morphology may play a role in myopia development and progression.
- Understanding optic disc characteristics in children is crucial for myopia research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of optic disc ovality in primary school children in Beijing.
- To investigate associations between optic disc ovality and myopia-related factors.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal school-based study followed 681 primary school children (grades 1 and 4) for two years.
- Comprehensive eye examinations included autorefractometry, ocular biometry, and fundus photography.
- Optic disc ovality was calculated using maximal-to-minimal disc diameter from fundus images.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of oval optic discs (defined as ovality ≥ 1.33) was 6.6% in 562 children.
- Higher optic disc ovality was associated with older age, female sex, larger parapapillary beta zone, and less time spent indoors studying.
- The oval optic disc group showed a greater increase in myopic refractive error over two years compared to the non-oval group.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of oval optic discs in children is significantly higher than in the elderly population, mirroring the high myopia prevalence.
- The association between oval optic discs and reduced indoor study time warrants further investigation.
- Optic disc shape may be an indicator or contributor to myopia progression in children.
