Intraocular pressure and myopia progression in Chinese children: the Anyang Childhood Eye Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Myopia Research

Background:

• Myopia is a growing public health concern globally.
• Understanding factors influencing myopia progression is crucial for intervention strategies.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known risk factor for glaucoma but its role in myopia progression is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) and the progression of myopia in Chinese children.
• To determine if IOP influences the rate at which myopia worsens over time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, school-based cohort study was conducted with 1558 seventh-grade students.
• Ocular biometry, cycloplegic refractions, and pneumotonometry were performed.
• Data were analyzed using analysis of variance to compare spherical equivalent and IOP between different progression groups over a 2-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• The mean baseline IOP was 15.87±3.42 mm Hg, with girls exhibiting slightly higher IOP.
• A significant inverse relationship was found between baseline IOP and myopia progression.
• Children with faster myopia progression (≥1 D over 2 years) had a lower mean baseline IOP compared to those with slower progression (<1 D).

Conclusions:

• In this cohort of Chinese children, myopia progression was inversely associated with baseline intraocular pressure (IOP).
• The findings suggest that IOP may not be a significant factor in myopia progression in school-aged children.
• Lower IOP in progressing myopic eyes might indicate increased scleral elasticity or compliance.