Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of axial dimensions of the eye during growth in emmetropia, myopia and hyperopia.

Material and methods

We examined 183 children (363 eyes) aged 4 to 19 with emmetropia, myopia and hyperopia. All measurements were performed after cycloplegia with 1% tropicamidum (Polfa Warszawa). Total and corneal refraction was examined with autokeratorefractometer (Nikon NRK-8000). Then we used ultrasound biometer Ocuscan (Alcon, USA), to measure axial length of the eye, axial length of the vitreous cavity, axial dimension of the lens and axial depth of the anterior chamber.

Conclusions

1. Growth of the axial length of the emmetropic eyes is finished at the age of 12, in hyperopic eyes in the age of 11 and in myopic eyes growth is proportional until the age of 14 and then significantly accelerates. 2. Growth of the axial length is mainly caused by increasing axial length of vitreous cavity. A little role in human eye growth is also played by increasing depth of the anterior chamber. 3. Between 4 and 19 years old, mean cycloplegic axial dimension of the lens is slightly decreasing in emmetropic and hyperopic eyes, whereas in myopic eyes is constant.