Distribution and analysis of intraocular pressure and its possible association with glaucoma in children

Abstract

Purpose: To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and glaucoma-associated factors in children.

Methods: A total of 4438 children aged 7-16 years (2321 boys and 2117 girls) were included in this study. Various ophthalmologic [IOP, central corneal thickness (CCT), etc.] and demographic (body mass index, etc.) parameters were evaluated.

Results: IOP increased between the ages of 7 and 9 years, peaking at 9 years. IOP increased after reaching a trough at 11 years and subsequently stabilized after 14 years. Girls exhibited thinner CCT (534.28 ± 30.84 µm vs. 537.04 ± 31.33 µm, P = 0.003), thicker lens thickness (3.56 ± 0.21 mm vs. 3.54 ± 0.20 mm, P = 0.001), shorter axial length (22.91 ± 0.93 mm vs. 23.32 ± 0.89 mm, P < 0.001), shallower anterior chamber depth (2.92 ± 0.27 mm vs. 3.00 ± 0.26 mm, P < 0.001), higher refraction (- 0.57 ± 1.48 D vs. 0.16 ± 1.35 D, P < 0.001), and higher mean corneal curvature (43.77 ± 1.39 vs. 43.03 ± 1.35, P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis assessed the following IOP-associated factors: thicker CCT [standardized correlation coefficient (SRC) = 0.201, P < 0.001), deeper anterior chamber depth (SRC = 0.059, P = 0.009), shorter axial length (SRC = - 0.086, P = 0.036), lower mean corneal curvature (SRC = - 0.123, P < 0.001), higher refraction (SRC = - 0.090, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: IOP fluctuated in children, and a trend toward a higher mean IOP between the ages of 9 and 11 years, which stabilized after 14 years, was observed. IOP was associated with CCT, anterior chamber depth, axial length, lens thickness, mean corneal curvature, spherical equivalent, and systolic blood pressure.

Keywords: Children; Glaucoma; Intraocular pressure; Ocular parameters.