Relationship between Axial Length and Corneo-Scleral Topography: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The main objective of the current study was to investigate further the relationship of the overall length of the eye with a great variety of anterior segment parameters, including scleral geometry. A total of 64 eyes of 32 participants with ages from 12 to 52 years were included in this prospective non-randomized single-center study. All participants underwent a complete eye examination, including an analysis of corneo-scleral shape with a Fourier-domain profilometer. A strong negative correlation was found between axial length and temporal-nasal ocular sagittal height difference for different chord lengths. For the right eye, a consistent and stable linear model was obtained to predict the axial length from the spherical equivalent, the corneal diameter, the high-order aberrations root mean square, and the minimum sagittal height for 13- and 14-mm chord. For the left eye, a model was obtained to predict the axial length from the spherical equivalent and the mean corneal curvature, including other parameters such as corneal diameter or high-order aberrations, depending on the chord length, considered for estimating the sagittal height values. More studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these preliminary outcomes.

The Effect of Axial Length Elongation on Corneal Biomechanical Property

“…However, owing to the difficulty in measuring posterior scleral biomechanics in vivo , some researchers suggested measuring the anterior segment parameters instead of posterior scleral biomechanics to predict the development of myopia ( Hayashi et al, 2010 ; Long et al, 2019 ; Wu et al, 2019 ). Bataille et al investigated the relationship between AL and various anterior segment parameters and developed a model to predict AL; however, the author pointed out that a larger sample size was needed for validation ( Bataille et al, 2021 ).…”

“…In severely elongated eyes, scleral thickness and rigidity are significantly reduced ( Sergienko and Shargorogska, 2012 ; Jonas et al, 2019 ). Some researchers believe that the eyeball is an integral organ, and the anterior segment parameters, including corneal biomechanics, are related to those of the posterior sclera ( Chansangpetch et al, 2017 ; Bataille et al, 2021 ). Previous studies found that high myopia can cause corneal biomechanical changes ( Moshirfar et al, 2019 ).…”

Comparative analysis of corneal parameters in simple myopic anisometropia using Scheimpflug technology

“…Therefore, monitoring corneal parameters could potentially serve as an early indicator for identifying children at risk of developing myopia. The exploration of the relationship between myopia and the extent of change in corneal parameters could provide valuable insights for predicting the future progression of myopia ( Wu et al, 2019 ; Bataille et al, 2021 ), which would be instrumental in myopia prevention and control strategies. Future research endeavors should consider the potential of corneal parameters in predicting the development of myopia in children, providing early warning for corneal parameter values in children who are likely to be myopic and guiding clinical interventions to prevent myopia as soon as possible.…”

Using three‐dimensional modelling of the anterior sclera to investigate the scleral profile in myopic eyes

“…Research has specifically demonstrated that increased axial length is associated with changes in the shape of the anterior sclera, as well as differences in the temporal-nasal ocular sagittal height for different chord lengths. 16,17 Additionally, Dhakal et al 18 demonstrated that the anterior sclera tends to become thinner inferiorly as myopia increases. Although these findings provide insight into the relationship between the anterior sclera and myopia, they do not describe fully how the three-dimensional (3D) anterior scleral shape changes with myopic development.…”

“…While some studies reported no significant difference in scleral thickness with refractive error, 10,14,15 others have identified variations in the anterior sclera of myopic eyes. Research has specifically demonstrated that increased axial length is associated with changes in the shape of the anterior sclera, as well as differences in the temporal–nasal ocular sagittal height for different chord lengths 16,17 . Additionally, Dhakal et al 18 demonstrated that the anterior sclera tends to become thinner inferiorly as myopia increases.…”