Progression of Myopia in the Patients with Astigmatism over 3.0 Diopters

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare myopia progression in patients with astigmatism over 3.0 dipoters and in patients with astigmatism with less than 1.0 diopter. METHODS: Between March 2001 and March 2006, regular refraction was performed in patients without amblyopia or strabismus. Patients with astigmatism over 3.0 diopter were classified into subject group, and patients with astigmatism less than 1.0 diopter were classified into control group. We performed cycloplegic refraction at the first visit, and manifest refraction at follow-up examination. Minimal follow-up period was 12 months. Data analysis was performed with T-test and ANOVA. RESULTS: There was no difference in myopia progression in patients with astigmatism over 3.0 dipoters and in patients with astigmatism with less than 1.0 diopter. Age, sex, type of astigmatism, spherical equivalent, age to start wearing glasses, and time to watch television and computer didn't show significant influence on myopic progression in subject group and control group. Patients with astigmatism over 3.0 diopters in one eye and astigmatism less than 3.0 diopters in the other eye were evaluated and there was no difference in myopia progression between both eyes. Eyes with non-progressive astigmatism over 3.0 diopters showed similar myopia progression with eyes with progressive astigmatism over 3.0 diopters. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference in myopia progression between patients with astigmatism over 3.0 dipoters and patients with astigmatism with less than 1.0 diopter.