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