Refractive Errors and Ocular Biometric Parameters in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Handan: A...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Developmental Pediatrics
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with potential links to visual system differences.
• Understanding ocular characteristics in children with ASD is crucial for early intervention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare refractive status and ocular biometric parameters between children with ASD and typically developing children.
• To identify potential ocular markers associated with ASD for improved eye care and rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 95 children with ASD and 96 controls (aged 4-12 years).
• Non-cycloplegic ocular refraction and ocular biometric measurements were performed.
• Statistical analyses included correlation, logistic regression, and random forest modeling.

Main Results:

• Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher hyperopia (Spherical Equivalent: 0.00 ±1.30 DS) and shallower Anterior Chamber Depth (2.93 ±0.26 mm) compared to controls.
• Spherical Equivalent (SE) and Cylinder (CYL) were significantly different between groups.
• SE, CYL, Axial Length-to-Crane ratio (AL/CR), and ACD were associated with ASD, with SE and ACD being primary predictors.

Conclusions:

• Ocular biometric parameters, particularly SE and ACD, are significantly different in children with ASD.
• These parameters may aid in identifying children who could benefit from further ASD assessment.
• Further validation in larger prospective studies is needed to confirm the predictive utility of these ocular markers.