Association between axial length and horizontal and vertical globe diameters.
Summary
Myopic enlargement of the globe beyond an axial length of 24 mm takes place predominantly in the sagittal axis, leading to a change in the globe form from a sphere to an elongated form.
Abstract
PURPOSE
To assess relationships between axial length and the horizontal and vertical globe diameters.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study consisted of enucleated human eyes. The horizontal, vertical, and sagittal diameters were measured.
RESULTS
The study included 135 globes removed because of malignant uveal melanoma (111 globes) or end-stage painful glaucoma (n = 24 eyes). Mean axial, horizontal, and vertical diameters were 24.6 ± 2.6 mm (range: 20-35 mm), 23.7 ± 1.4 mm (range: 21-29 mm) and 23.7 ± 1.4 mm (range: 20-29 mm) respectively. The horizontal diameter and vertical diameter did not differ significantly (P = 0.92), while both were significantly (P 24 mm, the horizontal and vertical globe diameter increased by a lower amount of 0.19 and 0.21 mm, respectively, for each mm increase in axial diameter.
CONCLUSIONS
Myopic enlargement of the globe beyond an axial length of 24 mm takes place predominantly in the sagittal axis, leading to a change in the globe form from a sphere to an elongated form. It fits with the notion that myopic elongation may occur by an elongation of the eye walls in regions close to the globe's equator.
Keywords
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Discussion
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