Distribution of Ocular Biometric Parameters in Singaporean Chinese Preschool Children

Abstract

Purpose: : To describe the distribution of ocular biometric parameters in Singaporean Chinese children aged between 6 months to 72 months in the Strabismus, Amblyopia and Refractive error in Singaporean Children (STARS) study.

Methods: : A population-based survey was conducted through the recruitment of participants in the South-Western region of Singapore. Disproportionate random sampling by 6 month age groups of Chinese children aged 6 to 72 months was performed. All participants completed a standard questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive eye examination at the clinic site, including visual acuity assessment, cycloplegic autorefraction and ocular biometric parameters (axial length, anterior chamber depth and keratometry) were obtained using a noncontact partial coherence laser interferometry (IOL master). Right eye ocular biometry data were available in 1831 children aged 30 to 72 months.

Results: : The mean axial length of children aged 30 to 72 months was 22.1 mm (SD 0.74), and was longer in older children (mean axial length 21.7, 21.9, 22.2 and 22.4mm, in children aged 30-35.9, 36-47.9, 48-59.9, and 60-72 months, respectively, p for trend <0.001). Mean axial length was longer in boys (22.4mm) than girls (21.9mm, p= <0.001). The mean anterior chamber depth was 3.32 mm (SD=0.25). The mean corneal curvature radius was 7.71mm (SD=0.25) and axial length/corneal curvature radius (AL/CR) ratio was 3.32. The anterior chamber depth and AL/CR ratio increased with age (p<0.001 for both), but the corneal curvature radius did not vary with age.

Conclusions: : Very young preschool Chinese children in Singapore have eyes with long axial lengththat is greater in boys than girls and increases with age.

Keywords: myopia