Abstract

A number of experiments have demonstrated that it is possible to induce ametropias in the eyes of young animals by distorting early visual experience. Much of the work has involved the use of chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) because of their precocial nature and because they grow and develop rapidly. The earlier studies generally involved depriving the retina of a clear image by either suturing the eyelids together or applying some kind of translucent or light scattering device over the eye during development (e.g., Pickett-Seltner, et al., 1987). This kind of treatment invariably leads to varying levels of myopia, often referred to as form deprivation or experimental myopia, through the axial elongation of the eye.

© 1995 Optical Society of America