Abstract

The refractive error distribution in the general population is leptokurtic with a peak near emmetropia, and is skewed toward myopia. Part of the high frequency of emmetropia may be accounted for by an intercorrelation of the components of ocular refraction. An inverse correlation of axial length of the eye and its refractive power would reduce the variability of refractive error. A posteriorward movement of the retina would produce a tendency toward myopia, while a reduction in corneal and/or crystalline lens power would produce a tendency toward hyperopia.(1) Statistically significant inverse correlations of axial length with corneal anterior surface power and axial length with crystalline lens power have been reported.(2) The magnitudes of these correlations are greater for groups of persons near emmetropia than for groups with wider ranges of refractive error. (2)

© 1992 Optical Society of America