PROGRESSION OF MYOPIC MACULOPATHY IN CHINESE CHILDREN WITH HIGH MYOPIA: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the progression of myopic maculopathy and associated factors in highly myopic Chinese children.

Methods: In this retrospective observational case series, biometric fundus features were morphometrically measured on photographs. Myopic maculopathy was defined as recommended by the Meta-analysis of Pathologic Myopia Study Group.

Results: The study included 274 children (mean age: 11.7 ± 2.5 years; mean refractive error: -7.66 ± 1.87 diopters [D]) with a mean follow-up of 4.9 ± 1.2 years. Myopic maculopathy progression was detected in 52 eyes (18.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.3-23.7%). In multivariable analysis, myopic maculopathy progression was associated with a decrease in refractive error (odds ratio [OR]: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.56-0.92; P < 0.001) (i.e., higher myopization) and enlargement of parapapillary gamma zone (OR: 7.68; 95% CI: 1.63-36.2; P = 0.002). Incident peripapillary diffuse choroidal atrophy, noted in 47 of 236 eyes (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.8-25.2%), was correlated with a decrease in refractive error (OR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.54-0.92; P = 0.009) (i.e., higher myopization) and greater gamma zone enlargement (OR: 8.28; 95% CI: 1.33-51.7; P = 0.02).

Conclusion: Myopia in schoolchildren may have a considerable risk of progressing to myopic maculopathy. Enlargement of parapapillary gamma zone was a main independent risk factor.