Abstract
Objective:
To compare changes in refraction and ocular biometric parameters in hyperopic children with and without full optical correction.
Methods:
Non-randomized prospecting study with 41 subjects (21 males and 20 females) aged 4 to 6 years with accommodative esotropia and or hyperopia between 3 to 6 diopters, select in Hospital Geral Universitário and Oftalmocenter Santa Rosa. The patients were divided in two groups: group 1 for hyperopic patients that did not need to use optical correction or could use partial correction, and group 2 for patients with accommodative esotropia or hyperopia who needed to use full optical correction all the time. The patients were examined to a complete ophthalmological examination, including objective cycloplegic refraction with auto refractometer, optical biometry and corneal topography, in baseline measurements and 3 years after that. Refraction and ocular biometric parameters were compared using T student test.
Results:
The mean initial age was 5.23 ± 0.81 and 5.36 ± 0.74 years; the initial refractive error in average was +3.99 ± 0.92 e +4.27 ± 0.85 D, the initial axial length was 21.42 ± 0.84 and 21.22 ± 0.86 mm, and initial keratometry was 42.55 ± 1.24 e 42.39 ± 1.22 D for group 1 and 2, respectively. In relation to refractive error, there was a significant decrease in group 1 and there was not in group 2 (p < 0.05). In relation to axial length, there was significant increase in group1 and there was not in group 2 (p<0.05). The 3-year comparison showed no statistically significant differences in keratometry for both groups.
Conclusion:
This study suggests that full optical correction of hyperopia may inhibit natural emmetropization during early and late childhood.
Keywords:
Refraction errors; Hyperopia; Eye/growth & development
