Dynamic changes of ocular biometric parameters:a modified form-deprivation myopia model of young guinea pigs

AIM:To evaluate the dynamic ocular biometric changes of a modified form-deprivation myopia model in young guinea pigs.METHODS:The animals were randomly assigned to two groups:the monocularly deprived facemask group(MDF,with all the right eyes covered,n =24) and the normal control group(free of facemask,n =24).Each group was then equally divided into four subgroups which were followed up for 2,4,6 and 8 weeks,respectively.Parameters measured from every eye included refraction,corneal curvature,axial length and the dry weight of sclera at the posterior pole.RESULTS:All the facemasks remained in place during the follow-up.The covered eyes developed myopia with the vitreous chamber lengthening and the dry weight of posterior sclera reduced at each time point compared with the contralateral uncovered(P <0.05 at all time points).The changes had a linear correlation with the deprivation time(P <0.05).There were no significant differences in all the parameters between the uncovered eyes of MDF group and the normal control group(P >0.05 at all time points).CONCLUSION:Monocular form deprivation with the facemask is highly effective and non-invasive in inducing axial myopia in guinea pigs.The axial myopia is mainly caused by the increased vitreous chamber length and the weakened posterior sclera rigidity.The form-deprivation eye didn’t interfere with the natural development of the contralateral eye.