Understanding the link between ocular shape and myopia: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Vision Science

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern.
• Understanding factors influencing myopia progression is crucial for effective management.
• Ocular shape variations are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to myopia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on the relationship between ocular shape and myopia.
• To highlight how ocular morphology relates to myopia development and progression.
• To identify gaps in knowledge for future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.) from June 2009 to September 2025.
• Inclusion of cross-sectional and cohort studies investigating ocular shape and myopia.
• Quality assessment of included studies using established tools (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, AHRQ).

Main Results:

• Thirty-four studies were analyzed, revealing non-uniform ocular expansion in myopic eyes.
• Greater myopia severity correlates with asymmetric anterior and posterior ocular shape changes.
• Highly myopic eyes exhibit specific deformities (spheroid, pyriform contours, macular staphylomas) linked to increased complication risks.

Conclusions:

• A strong association exists between ocular shape, myopia, and myopic retinopathy.
• Current research is predominantly observational and heterogeneous, limiting definitive causal conclusions.
• Further investigation into ocular shape's role in myopia control strategies is warranted.