Abstract:AIM: To analyze the refractive development in infants, to screen for the high risk group for infant refractive error and to explore the best timing for early intervention of the condition.
METHODS:Noncycloplegic refraction data in 7 stages of age(6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 months)were collected with Suresight autorefractor from 2 447 healthy infants(4 894 eyes). The development and distribution of refraction were analyzed.
RESULTS:Most of the 4 894 eyes were found to be hyperopic and astigmatic. The mean and standard deviation of sphere, cylinder, and spherical equivalent for seven age groups from 1.5 years as well as reference ranges(P25～P75 and P5～P95)were obtained. Hypermetropic and astigmatic refractive error reduced rapidly with age until the age of 1.5 years old, after which they did not change significantly.
CONCLUSION: In infants, spherical lens deviating from P25～P75(D)and cylindrical lens exceeding P75(D)amblyopia are the suspected signs of amblyopia, and spherical lens deviating from P5～P95(D)and cylindrical lens exceeding P95(D)indicate high risk of amblyopia. Intervention of refractive error may start at the age of 1.5 years.
