Estimation of high myopia-associated optic neuropathies: the Two-Continent Eye Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Public Health

Background:

• High myopia is a growing global health concern.
• Optic nerve damage, including glaucomatous/glaucoma-like optic neuropathy (GLON) and non-glaucomatous optic neuropathy (NGON), is a significant complication.
• Accurate estimation of risk is crucial for early detection and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate predictive equations for the probability of GLON and NGON in individuals with high myopia.
• To identify key risk factors contributing to optic neuropathy in myopic populations.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from five large population-based eye studies across diverse ethnicities and age groups.
• Developed predictive models using a development subgroup and validated them in a separate validation subgroup.
• Included variables such as axial length, age, intraocular pressure (IOP), Indian ethnicity, and presence of ocular comorbidities.

Main Results:

• Developed prevalence equations for GLON and NGON with high predictive accuracy (Area Under the Curve: 0.881 for GLON, 0.964 for NGON).
• Demonstrated a significant increase in GLON and NGON probability with increasing axial length and age.
• Highlighted the influence of ethnicity and ocular comorbidities on the estimated risk.

Conclusions:

• The derived equations provide a valuable tool for estimating the probability of optic nerve damage in individuals with high myopia.
• These models can aid clinicians in risk stratification and personalized eye care strategies.
• Further research can refine these predictions for improved patient outcomes.