Abstract
Purpose::
To study the association between adult stature and ocular biometric parameters and refraction.
Methods::
In a population-based cross-sectional ophthalmic survey of 2418 adults (40 years of age and older) living in rural villages in central Myanmar, height and weight were measured using a standardized protocol, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. As part of a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, non-cycloplegic refraction and corneal curvature were determinated by an autorefractor. Ocular biometry, including axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and vitreous chamber depth as well as were measured using A-mode ocular ultraonography and corneal thickness was measured with a pachymeter.
Results::
There were significant differences in height, weight and BMI between male and female subjects: as expected, men were taller and heavier (denoted by both weight and BMI; p < 0.001). Height and weight were significantly correlated with age, gender, and ocular biometry parameters, except lens thickness. Taller and heavier persons were more likely to have eyes with longer axial length, deeper anterior and vitreous chambers, and flatter and thicker corneas than shorter persons. Height was not significantly correlated with refraction, but heavier persons were more likely to be less myopic (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, after adjusting for age and gender, both height and weight were predictors of axial length, vitreous chamber length and corneal cuvature.
Conclusions::
Adult stature is independently associated with ocular dimensions and refraction in this population of rural Myanmar.
Keywords: refractive error development • low vision • myopia