EVALUATING HOW AXIAL ELONGATION AFFECTS AST ANTERIOR SCLERAL THICKNESS IN MYOPIC PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Macular degeneration and glaucoma can become more common as a result of myopia. Myopia has 
significantly increased due to the recent rise in the usage of technological devices. Therefore, in order to better grasp 
potential myopia mechanisms and other diseases, it is essential to comprehend the characteristics of the anterior sclera of 
myopia. 
Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate how axial elongation affected the anterior scleral thickness (AST) of 
myopic patients. 
Methods: During the specified study period, 244 participants without any systemic illnesses or ocular conditions affecting 
ametropia were evaluated at the Institute. The subjects were split into three groups based on the diopter and AL (axial 
length): 80 people in the high myopia group, 80 people in the low to moderate myopia group, and 64 people in the 
emmetropia group. The collected data was statistically examined.  
Results: The superior side had the lowest AST, followed by the nasal side, lower side, and temporal side, with respective 
values of 550.74 ± 51.32 μm, 671.52 ± 61.74 μm, 692.30 ± 74.74 μm, and 716.43 ± 65.53 μm. The mean AST at four 
diameter lines and AL showed a link, with the nasal side showing the strongest correlation (p<0.001), followed by the 
upper, lower, and temporal sides. Age and mean ASE on the temporal, nasal, and upper sides were significantly correlated 
(p<0.001). AST and age showed a positive association, while AST and AL showed a negative correlation with p<0.05.  
Conclusion: The current study concludes that AL and measurement position affected the sclera thickness. Age and AST 
are positively correlated, but AL and AST are negatively correlated. Individuals with extreme myopia have a thinner 
anterior sclera than those with low to moderate myopia and emmetropia. AST is impacted by both myopia and posterior 
sclera thickness. 

Keywords: Anterior sclera thickness, AST, axial length, myopia, optical coherence tomography