Relationship between changes in crystalline lens shape and axial elongation in young children.

Relationship between changes in crystalline lens shape and axial elongation in young chilren.

Ishii K, Yamanari M, Iwata H, Yasuno Y, Oshika T.

Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Jan 28;54(1):771-7.

This study of 25 children highlights the interaction between the lens and the length of the eyeball in the development of myopia.  It's not just that the eyeball is longer; the lens also works differently in myopic children, affecting the length of the eyeball, and playing a role in the development and progression of myopia.

From the text:
"CONCLUSIONS:
Axial elongation is related to the entire contour of the crystalline lens. This result shows that axial elongation progresses in parallel to change in the crystalline lens shape."

Link to abstrract:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23307966

Other articles that highlight the role of the lens in the development of myopia:

How does nearsightedness develop in children?." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 March 2012. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120301113258.htm

Myopia: It's Not Just the Length, but the Lens
Myopia is commonly described as having an eyeball that is “too long.” Not exactly.

By Colleen Mullarkey, Senior Editorhttp://www.revoptom.com/content/c/33495/x

Crystalline Lens Power in Myopia
GARNER, L F O.D., Ph.D.; YAP, M O.D., Ph.D.; SCOTT, R O.D., M.Sc.http://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Abstract/1992/11000/Crystalline_Lens_Power_in_Myopia.5.aspx

Current and Future Developments in Myopia Control Researchers continue to seek effective methods to slow the progression of myopia.

Current and Future Developments in Myopia Control
Researchers continue to seek effective methods to slow the progression of myopia.
By Jeffrey J. Walline, OD, PhD, FAAO
Contact Lens Spectrum, Volume: 27 , Issue: October 2012, page(s): 34 - 38

This article summarizes the current approaches to myopia control, and lists various studies. Atropine has a high success rate, but the effect may be short-lived and its side effects long term are not known.

Orthokeratology and dual focus contact lenses appear to have some impact in controlling myopia in children.  

http://www.clspectrum.com/printarticle.aspx?articleID=107513