New eye growth charts could spot childhood myopia risk early

Researchers have developed the first age-, sex- and region-specific growth charts for children’s eyes, allowing clinicians to monitor eye development and identify early warning signs of myopia.

The study, co-led by the University of Western Australia (UWA), analysed nearly 560,000 eye measurements from 147,573 children and young people across Australia, Europe and East Asia. The resulting centile charts are similar to the height and weight growth curves used for babies and children, according to a UWA statement.

Excessive elongation of the eye is a major cause of myopia, or short-sightedness, which is becoming increasingly common worldwide. About 25% of Australians currently have myopia, with global prevalence projected to reach 50% by 2050. In parts of Southeast and East Asia, up to 80% of young adults are affected, the findings published in JAMA Ophthalmology revealed.

Study co-lead Gareth Lingham from UWA’s Medical School said the lack of reference values has made it difficult for clinicians to monitor eye growth and identify at-risk children early. UWA Professor David Mackey, now leading a follow-up study to improve the charts, added that while the charts are not intended to diagnose myopia, they can help determine whether a child’s eye growth is unusually rapid and how they compare with peers in their region.

The new charts provide a practical tool for eye care professionals to spot abnormal growth patterns and intervene earlier, potentially preventing permanent vision loss later in life.

Article source: perthherald.com | Image credit: Medical Xpress