Dynamics of Childhood Eye Growth
(DoCEG)
Motivation
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Myopia is a rapidly escalating epidemic, with projections indicating that, by 2050, a staggering 50% of the global population will be myopic. Although genetic factors are known to play a role in myopia susceptibility, the sharp rise in prevalence over recent years points the finger firmly at environmental factors.
While “band-aid” solutions, such as corrective lenses or laser eye surgery, can address the immediate visual challenges, the long-term consequences of axial elongation pose a more sinister threat. Myopia significantly heightens the risk of debilitating sight-threatening conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, and macular atrophy.
Specialised treatment methods – such as specialised lenses, light therapy, and atropine – can slow eye growth if implemented early. However, treatment success is variable, and the factors that determine a patient’s response are not fully understood. There is therefore a need for comprehensive analysis of the structural and visual factors that moderate eye growth.
In this video, Dr. Patterson explains the motivation behind the DoCEG study:
Various structural factors are known to contribute to myopia, including the cornea (the front of the eye), the lens (the structure enabling variable focus), the choroid (the blood supply to the back of the eye), and axial eye length.
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These factors, in turn, can lead to changes in the density and organisation of the photoreceptors (the light-sensitive cells in the retina). Although previous studies have examined individual structures within the eye over time, a combined analysis in the same population is lacking.
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This hinders our understanding of their relationships and how they evolve throughout childhood – the critical window for detecting and managing myopia.
What will we measure?
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​Height and weight - as you can imagine, the size of our bodies can affect the size of our eyes.
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​Corneal thickness - the cornea does the lion's share of "bending" the light that enters the eye, so that it makes a clear picture on the back of the eye (retina). We will measure this using the Occuity PM1 Pachymeter.
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​Axial eye length - the overall length of the eye is a key factor in myopia. This will be measured using the Occuity AX1 Axiometer.
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Accommodation - this describes the ability of the lens to change shape when looking at near or distant objects to bring the picture into focus. This will be measured using an accommodation meter.
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Refractive error - this describes any problems with how the eye bends light. The lens prescription you get from the optician will show your refractive error. We will measure this using an autorefractor.
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Retinal thickness - the back of the eye (retina) is made up from different layers. The thickness of the different layers can be affected in myopia. We will measure this using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).
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Photoreceptor metrics - photoreceptors are the cells that detect light and send signals to the brain - the first step in what we think of as "seeing a picture". The number and layout of these cells can be affected in myopia. We will measure this using an adaptive optics retinal camera.
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Colour vision - one thing we are interested in is whether colour vision can affect eye growth. We will measure colour vision using HRR Pseudoisochromatic Plates.
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Genetics - if we find unusual colour vision results, we will send a saliva sample for genetic testing. The sample will be analysed for genes relating to colour vision and myopia.
Who will we measure?
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Key to the success of this project is the willingness and dedication of our volunteers.
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Children aged four to 11 years will be recruited from a local school in Crowthorne - Hatch Ride Primary School. Here, pupils are encouraged to "dream big, aim high and make a difference", aligning perfectly with the vision of the Mynamic Project.
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Participants will be tested every six months, using a blend of the above measurements.