[Effect of corneal opacity in childhood on axial globe length in adulthood]

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the effect of childhood corneal opacity on the anteroposterior length of the globe in adulthood. Twenty-three patients with significant unilateral corneal opacity which had developed before the age of 6 years and the normal fellow eyes [controls] were evaluated. A comprehensive ocular examination including measurement of anterioposterior length and anterior chamber depth was performed. Mean age was 65.9 +/- 12.9 years. Mean axial length was 25.45 +/- 2.47 mm in affected eyes vs 22.85 +/- 3.34 mm in normal fellow eyes [P=0.001]. The difference in axial length was attributed to elongation of the vitreous cavity in affected eyes [18.91 +/- 2.82 vs 15.71 +/- 2.73 mm, P<0.001]. Corneal opacity in childhood can result in axial myopia in adulthood due to elongation of the posterior segment