Age-related changes in lens thickness in children aged 3-17 years and its association with myopia and ocular...

To investigate age-related changes in lens thickness(LT)and its associations with ocular biometrics and refractive status in children aged 3-17 years.

A retrospective analysis of 699 children (1,398 eyes) undergoing ophthalmic examinations (June-August 2023).LT,axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), mean corneal curvature (Km), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured via IOL Master 700. Longitudinal data were collected at 1-year (n = 285) and 2-year (n = 135) follow-ups. Multiple linear regression and repeated measures ANOVA were employed.

The median of LT was 3.42 mm (25th percentile, P25: 3.28; 75th percentile, P75: 3.56), which was significantly negatively correlated with age (r = -0.434, P < 0.001).LT exhibited a triphasic pattern:significant decrease before age 10(3.66→3.43→3.35 mm; P < 0.001), stabilization at 10-12 years,and mild thickening after age 13(+0.01 mm/year). Females demonstrated thicker LT than males (3.46 ± 0.22 vs.3.41 ± 0.20 mm; P < 0.001). LT negatively correlated with AL(r = -0.512) and ACD(r = -0.595), but not Km or CCT. Non-myopic children had thicker LT than myopic counterparts (3.54 ± 0.22 vs.3.35 ± 0.15 mm; P < 0.001). Longitudinally, LT decreased in ages 3-9,stabilized at 10-12, and increased in 13-17 years. Multiple regression identified ACD (β=-0.498), age (β=-0.121), and Km(β=-0.119) as independent LT predictors (R² = 0.473).

LT follows an age-dependent pattern of early decline, adolescent stabilization, and subsequent thickening. Thicker lenses in non-myopic children suggest lenticular compensation in refractive development. Age 10 represents a critical intervention window, with LT serving as a potential biomarker for pediatric refractive status assessment.