Subclinical Decrease in Central Inner Retinal Activity Is Associated With Myopia Development in Children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neuroscience
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern, particularly in children.
• Early detection and prediction of myopia development are crucial for timely intervention.
• Understanding the underlying retinal mechanisms in early myopia is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate retinal electrophysiological activity in relation to early myopia development in children.
• To explore the correlation between multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) parameters and refractive error changes.
• To identify potential electrophysiological markers for predicting juvenile myopia.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 56 emmetropic children (6-9 years old).
• Recorded cycloplegic refraction, axial length, and global flash multifocal electroretinogram (MOFO mfERG) at 49% and 96% contrast.
• Analyzed mfERG components (DC, IC) and correlated them with 1-year changes in refractive error and axial length.

Main Results:

• Over 1 year, mean refractive error shifted by -0.55 D and axial length increased by 0.37 mm.
• Changes in refractive error and axial length significantly correlated with central IC amplitudes at 49% mfERG contrast.
• These correlations suggest inner retinal involvement in myopia progression.

Conclusions:

• Prospective retinal changes, likely from the central inner retina, precede myopia development.
• Electrophysiological parameters, specifically mfERG IC amplitudes, may serve as early indicators of juvenile myopia.
• This study provides a potential reference for early detection and monitoring of myopia in children.