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Objective: Reading is a visual function human being used to understand environmental events based on writing materials. This study investigated the feasibility of reading visual acuity chart in assessment of reading ability by analysis of the key factors involved in the design of the visual acuity chart., Methods: The reading level was determined as grade 3 primary school with Song as the font and 30 characters included in the sentences. Each of the sentences consisted of 27 commonly-used Chinese characters (9 characters between any two punctuations) and 3 punctuations. There were no contextual clues between the 80 sentences selected. The characters had 13 different sizes with an increment of 0.1 log unit (e.g.1.2589) and 2.5 pt was determined as the critical threshold. Readable test for visual target was followed as (1) 29 candidates with a raw or corrected visual acuity (VA)of at least 1.0 were selected to read 80 selected sentences with the size of characters of 2.5 pt at a distance of 40 cm, (2) the time used for reading with the number of characters wrongly read was recorded, (3) 39 sentences were selected as visual targets based on reading speed, effective reading position and total number of character strokes, (4) The 39 selected sentences were then randomly divided into 3 groups with no significant difference among the groups in the 3 factors listed at (3) with paired t-test., Results: This reading visual chart was at level of Grade 3 primary school with a total stroke number of 165-210(Mean 185 ± 10), 13 font sizes a 0.1 log unit increment, a song pattern and 2.5 pt as the critical threshold. All candidates achieved 100% correct in reading test under 2.5 pt with an effective reading speed as 120.65-162 wpm (Mean 142.93 ± 11.80) and effective reading position as 36.03-61.48(Mean 48.85 ± 6.81). The reading test for the 3 groups of sentences showed effective reading speed as (142.49 ± 12.14) wpm,(142.86 ± 12.55) wpm and (143.44 ± 11.63) wpm respectively(t1-2 = -0.899, t2-3 = -1.295, t1-3 = -1.435). The reading position was 48.55 ± 6.69, 48.99 ± 7.49 and 49.00 ± 6.76, respectively(t1-2 = -1.019, t2-3 = -0.019, t1-3 = -0.816). The total number of character strokes was 185.54 ± 7.55, 187.69 ± 13.76 and 182.62 ± 8.17, respectively(t1-2 = 0.191, t2-3 = 1.385, t1-3 = 1.686)., Conclusions: A practical design of the Chinese reading visual chart should consider size, increment, legibility in selection of reading sentences. Reading visual acuity, critical threshold and effective reading speed could be used to express the reading visual function.

Objective: To detect the accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratios measured respectively by objective and subjective methods. The differences and its relative factors were explored., Methods: Forty young volunteers were measured by eye tracker to get the amount of convergence when fixating at the target at 100 cm, 50 cm, 33 cm and 25 cm and were measured by infrared auto-refractor to get corresponding accommodative responses. AC/A ratio based on these two measurements were compared with the calculated and the gradient AC/A ratio from Von Graefe tests., Results: Mean value of stimulated AC/A ratio measured by eye tracker was higher than the calculated and gradient AC/A ratio by Von Graefe method (P = 0.003, 0.001). There are statistic correlation (r = 0.871, P = 0.000) and difference (P = 0.000) between stimulated AC/A ratio and response AC/A ratios both measured by eye tracker, and the difference trends to be greater with the higher AC/A ratio., Conclusion: The objective AC/A ratio is usually higher than the clinical subjective measurement because of more proximal effect. The response AC/A ratio measured objectively may reveal realistically the mutual effect and relationship between accommodation and convergence and it seems to be more credible to be the monitor parameter on progression of myopia in clinics.

Objective: This study investigated the legibility in use of psycho-physical methods to select Chinese characters for visual acuity charts., Methods: Twenty-eight subjects with the raw visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity of -0.11 ± 0.06 (LogMAR) were recruited for this study. Ninety Chinese characters with similar Fourier frequency spectrum were used as candidates for the selection of visual targets. Thirty-seven Chinese characters with each consisted of horizontal, vertical and oblique strokes were selected from these candidates. Six different-sized BMP images for each selected Chinese character were made based on the average visual acuity threshold of all the selected characters. The accuracy rate for all subjects to read each size of the BMP images was averaged. Graphs correlating the font sizes with the accuracy rates were formed using Weibull function imitation, which provided a visual acuity (VA) threshold and slope for each Chinese character selected., Results: Among the 37 Chinese characters selected, 17 had a VA threshold 6.16 ± 0.54 (unit: arc) and 20 had a VA threshold of 8.20 ± 0.71. The slope for characters with low stroke number and medium stroke number was 5.91 ± 2.18 and 11.18 ± 3.55, respectively. Based on the similarity in VA thresholds and slopes, 10 Chinese characters were finally determined as the visual targets for a lower stroke-number Chinese visual acuity chart (tb: 5.84 ± 0.36, β: 4.72 ± 0.85). Another 10 characters "rdquo; (tb: 8.38 ± 0.24, β: 10.47 ± 3.9) were determined as the visual targets for a medium stroke-number Chinese visual chart., Conclusion: Analysis using Fourier frequency spectrum provides an objective method in the selection of Chinese characters for Chinese visual acuity charts. A psychological test for this selection would further confirm the legibility of the method used in this study.

Objective: To evaluate the changes of accommodative function after implantation of iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (IFPIOL) for correction of high myopia, and compared with gender and age matched emmetropes. This study also provides clinical basis for assessing the quality of life after implantation of the IFPIOL., Methods: It was a case-control study. Iris-fixated in phakic intraocular lens implantation was performed in 23 eyes of 12 high myopic patients. Control group included 22 eyes in 11 emmetropes. All patients and controlled subjects had the same examinations including amplitude of accommodation, accommodative facility test, and negative/positive relative accommodation before, 1 month and 3 months after operation. Surgery was performed by the same surgeon. Randomized block design analysis of variance was applied to analyze accommodative function between the patients preoperative and postoperative, and two independent samples t-test was applied to analyze accommodative function between the control group and the patients. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant., Results: The mean amplitude of accommodation at 1 month and 3 months was (8.90 ± 2.13) D and (9.10 ± 1.72) D after IFPIOL implantation, respectively. Mean amplitude of accommodation after the operation was significantly greater than that from preoperative eyes (7.35 ± 2.20) D, (F = 19.88, P < 0.01). Mean amplitude of accommodation at 3 months in eyes after IFPIOL implantation showed no significant difference (t = -1.76, P = 0.09) as compared with the control group (10.10 ± 2.09) D. Mean accommodative facility at 1 month and 3 months after IFPIOL implantation was (8.17 ± 2.09) cyc/min and (8.67 ± 1.80) cyc/min, respectively. This was significantly increased from preoperative data which was (5.67 ± 1.53) cyc/min, (F = 64.27, P < 0.01). Mean accommodative facility at 3 months after IFPIOL implantation had no statistically significant difference (t = -6.29, P < 0.01) as compared with the control group (14.51 ± 3.81) cyc/min. In addition, mean positive relative accommodation (2.45 ± 0.81) D was significantly greater than that in preoperative eyes (1.61 ± 0.80) D, (F = 6.10, P = 0.01) but, not significantly different (t = -2.83, P = 0.01) from the control group (3.89 ± 1.49) D., Conclusions: Patients can obtain physiological accommodative function after the implantation of IFPIOL for correction of high myopia. Moreover, the accommodative function increases with time and is stable. Nevertheless, accommodative function could not reach the level of normal emmetropic eyes. Longer-term results would be further observed.

Objective: To investigate changes in refraction and vitreous length during form-deprivation and visual re-exposure in guinea pig eyes., Methods: It was an experimental study. Ninety-six guinea pigs with age of three weeks were randomly divided into form-deprivation and normal control groups (n = 48 in each group). The form-deprivation group was further divided into 4 subgroups (n = 12 in each subgroup) which underwent monocular form-deprivation for 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, respectively. At the end of each time point, the form-deprived eyes in all animals were visually re-exposed and followed for 3 (n = 6) and 7 days (n = 6). The control group was also divided into four subgroups (n = 12 in each subgroup) to match the time-points of the form-deprivation group. During form-deprivation and recovery, vitreous length and refraction in each group was measured and compared., Results: There was significant difference in vitreous length (F = 6.108, 28.222, 19.195) and refraction (F = 12.504, 15.003, 6.829) when compared deprived eyes with contralateral eyes 2, 4, or 6 weeks after form-deprivation (P < 0.05). Difference in refraction between deprived eyes and contralateral eyes was -2.36 D, -3.64 D and -3.68 D at 2, 4, 6 week, respectively. Difference in vitreous length was 0.08 mm, 0.19 mm and 0.22 mm. During visual re-exposure, form-deprived eyes changed into hyperopia as compared with contralateral eyes. At day 3 point, there was no significant difference in refraction and vitreous length between form deprived eyes and contralateral eyes in 1 week and 2 weeks groups (F = 0.032, 0.280; P > 0.05). After 7 days recovery, vitreous length and refraction in deprived eyes almost backed to level of contralateral eyes in 1 and 2 weeks groups. At day 3 point, there was significant difference of refraction and vitreous length between form-deprived eyes and contralateral eyes in 4 weeks group and 6 weeks group. After 7 days recovery, there was significant difference in vitreous length for 4 weeks group and there was significant difference in both refraction and vitreous length for 6 weeks group (F = 4.108, 6.317; P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Form-deprivation causes myopic changes in deprived eyes, during visual re-exposure the refraction recovers and the extent depends on the length of form-deprivation. The recovery rate is faster during the first 3 days and then slower after 3 days. The mechanism of form-deprivation myopia in guinea pig eyes is similar to that of myopia in juvenile human beings.

Objective: To evaluate the changes of corneal biomechanical properties and corneal topography undergoing overnight orthokeratology treatment., Methods: Thirty teenagers with low and moderate myopia with age of 11.67 + or - 1.63, myopia (-2.56 + or - 0.86) D, were included and were fitted with Ortho-K CL. The corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured with ocular response analyzer (ORA). Corneal topography, central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal endothelium density were measured with computerized corneal topography, optical coherence tomography (OCT) and non contact specular microscope respectively. The measurements were taken at pre-wear, 1 day and 7, 30, 90, 180 days after orthokeratology. Only data from the right eyes were analysed., Results: All subjects were significantly reduced the myopia amount after 1 day of lens wear. The corneal curvature flattening (F = 38.837, P < 0.01) became slightly down to stable after the first week. There were significant decrease in CH and CRF after the orthokeratology treatment within the first week, and CH and CRF reversed and thereafter into the original level at 3-month and 6-month follow up. IOPg and IOPcc decreased and reached the lowest level at 1-week visit and after then became down to stable. There were significant reduction in CCT after 1 week (F = 4.739, P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in corneal endothelium density during orthokeratology treatment for 6 months., Conclusions: The amount of myopia reduction with orthokeratology occurred mostly within 1 week while the corneal biomechanical properties such as CH and CRF were decreased. However the corneal biomechanical properties are reversal to the original level thereafter and remain unchanged within the 6 months follow up visits. It proves that orthokeratology does not damage corneal microstructure. The early sign of reduction may due to the temporal response to the reshaping of the cornea.

Objectives: This study is designed to analyze the accommodative hysteresis, accommodative responses between two eyes of anisometropes. The difference of the shape and slope of the accommodative response curves under closed-loop state is evaluated. A comparison study between emmetropes and anisometropes was assessed as well., Methods: It was a case-control study. Forty volunteers, (age from 20 to 31 years) participated in the research. 20 subjects had emmetropia (spherical equivalent +0.37D to -0.25D in both eyes), 20 subjects had anisometropia with spherical power difference ranging from 2.50D to 7.00D between their two eyes. Accommodation taken by objective methods: RE and accommodative response (AR) to 1.00D, 2.00D, 3.00D, 4.00D stimulus were measured objectively by WV-500 binocular infrared optometer (Grand Seiko Co. Japan). The slope of the AR/AS was calculated and compared between different groups., Results: Under closed-loop state, the higher refractive error eye of anisometropia had most accommodation lag followed by lower eye and emmetropic eye. In stimulus of 3.00D and 4.00D, the differences between higher eye and emmetropic eye were significant (t = 2.055, 2.410; P < 0.05). The differences of the slopes between two eyes of ainisometropes under all conditions were without significant difference (P > 0.05). But the slopes of higher refractive error were lower than that of emmetropoes (t = 2.550, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The accommodative responses of two eyes of anisometropia are different, the higher eye of anisometropia shows higher accommodation lag. Every non accommodation balance phenomenon showed by anisometropia may be associated either with different accommodation controller gain, or with higher threshold of "ciliary-lens" system or both. It is needed further study to clarify.

Objective: To analyze the difference of regressive curves during near work among different refractive groups. To analyze if myope have the higher detection threshold for blur image and to see if the high accommodative response is one of the induced factor for myopia progression., Method: The accommodation response of emmetrope, stable myope and progressive myope were measured with the open field autorefractor by the 30 seconds interval during 1 hour near work. Drew the progressive curve and compare the fluctuation of accommodation response during the whole near work., Results: There were no significant difference of accommodation response among three groups before near work (P > 0.05). The fluctuation curve shew rise, calm and then decline trend while progressive myope kept sustaining at high accommodation response level during later period of near work. The discrepancy of stable myope and progressive myope during 1 hour are (0.1905 +/- 0.3619) D and (0.1336 +/- 0.3030)D respectively. Stable myope and progressive myope had the trend of high deviation than emmetropia. 8 subjects among 41 shew accommodation lead during near work while 7 are myopia., Conclusion: Accommodation response shew fluctuation trend during sustained near work, the amplitude of fluctuation could reflect the defocus and the sensitivity threshold for blur image. The stable and progressive myope have the higher defocus so they need greater fluctuation to exceed the defocus.

Objective: To select Chinese characters for Chinese visual acuity chart by using the method of Fourier frequency spectrum analysis., Methods: BMP images were made for 1062 Chinese characters with small or medium number of strokes. The images were processed to derive frequency spectrum at the frequency domain by using a MatLab program. Euclidean distance from Cluster analysis was then used to classify and select the Chinese characters for optotypes of the visual acuity chart, based on their mean frequency spectrum from all the characters analyzed., Results: Fifty and forty Chinese characters were selected from the groups of the small and the middle number of strokes respectively., Conclusions: It is important and interesting to select Chinese characters by using Fourier analysis method for designing Chinese visual acuity chart that is consisting with the property of the visual system of the eye.

Near "words" visual acuity testing is implemented in clinics to meet the exams for read demanding. Therefore, diversity formats or versions of near "words or characters" visual acuity occur. However, near visual acuity chart with the mandarin character as basic target has been debated all the time. It is due to the complexity of the mandarin characters and the comprehensive of reading while having the meaningful characters as basic targets. This article will be focused on these debates.

Myopia animal model plays an important role in mechanism study on myopia. Recently, mice are increasingly used in myopia animal model. Using mouse as myopic animal model has several advantages, especially in the mechanism study. However, the mice eye is much smaller in size than other animal eyes, therefore it is very difficult to measure the refraction and ocular dimensions in vivo. Here are summaries and comments round disputed issues which are expected to be useful for animal myopia researches.

Objective: To investigate the ocular optical imaging quality among corneal astigmatism subjects under different corrections by using the Point Spread Function analysis system (PSF)., Methods: PSF 1000 analyzer was used to measure retinal image quality of eyes of 26 subjects with corneal astigmatism (sphere ranged from -3.00 to -6.00 DS, cylinder ranged from - 0.75 to - 3.00 DC), who were fully corrected with three different methods respectively: spectacles (SPE), rigid gas permeable contact lenses (RGPCL) and toric soft contact lenses (TSCL). The modulation transfer function (MTF) curve was recorded and evaluated. 12 points of the MTF curve (equivalent to the 12 points of Log Mar VA chart) were chosen for analysis. Equivalent moderate myopia 26 subjects without astigmatism were set up as control group., Results: The MTF curve of each eye is enantiomorphous symmetrical. Compared with the control group ( < -0.75D), with 3.0 mm pupil, there's no statistical difference under low spatial frequency, the difference between middle and high frequency is significant (P < 0.05). With 6.0 mm pupil, there is statistical difference in all frequencies (P <0.01). With simulated 3.0 mm pupil and 6.0 mm pupil, MTF values of all these three methods are statistical different. With 3.0 mm pupil, the MTF value of eyes fitted with RGPCLs is higher than that fitted with TSCLs except in the following frequency 3.00, 3.78, 4.78, 30.00 and 37.80 c/deg (P <0.05). With 6.0 mm pupil, the three correction methods are statistical different in all frequencies (P <0.05). In all these three methods, MTF values with simulated 3.0 mm pupil are significantly higher than that with simulated 6.0 mm pupil (P <0.01)., Conclusions: PSF analytical method is available for offering objective data of retina imaging quality. RGPCL and its induced tear film is improved not only correcting the corneal astigmatism, but also enhances the ocular optical quality by reducing diffraction, dispersion and other high order of aberration.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of dopamine receptor D2 and adenosine receptor A2A in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in order to determine whether the RPE is a potential site of action for these two receptors., Methods: RPE Cells were isolated and cultured. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunocytochemistry were performed to detect the expression of D2 and A2A receptors in the RPE., Results: RT-PCR analysis showed that mRNA of D2 and A2A receptors were expressed in the RPE. D2 and A2A receptors were distributed in the RPE by immunocytochemistry., Conclusions: This study demonstrated the presence of D2 and A2A receptors in human RPE at both mRNA and protein levels. D2 and A2A receptors may play an important role in the maintenance of the function of human retinal pigment epithelium. Furthermore, their cooperation appeared to be important in the development of axial myopia and retinal and choroidal neovascularization.

Objective: This study investigated reading speed of Chinese in rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP), full screen and printed display among young adults with normal vision. The critical font size and critical acuity reserve in RSVP were also evaluated., Methods: Thirty university students with a visual acuity of at least 20/20 in both eyes (uncorrected or corrected) were recruited in this study. The visual acuity threshold (VAT) (3 m distance) was evaluated for all subjects using a self-designed visual acuity chart presented on a computer screen. The reading speed for Chinese was measured under RSVP (10 font sizes from 4 to 33 pt), full screen and printed display (2 font sizes: 10 and 13 pt). The reading speed (wpm) was expressed as the percentage of words read correctly x 60 x total number of words/time used (second). The acuity reserve (RA) was expressed as RA = SP/ST, where SP was the font size of the reading material for the reader and ST was the acuity threshold expressed as a font size., Results: The visual acuity threshold (VAT) at a distance of 40 cm in these 30 subjects was (2.2 +/- 0.3) pt (mean +/- SD). The reading speed increased significantly with the increasing font sizes until the font size reached (7.8 +/- 0.4) pt where the maximum reading speed (258.0 +/- 34.4 wpm) was achieved. The reading speed remained at a constant value in font sizes ranging from 7.8 to 33 pt. The reading speed increased with the increasing R(A) until the R(A) reached 3.5:1 and then remained unchanged. There was no significant difference in reading speed between full screen and printed displays (P > 0.05). The reading speed in full screen or printed display was significantly faster than in RSVP (10 pt: full screen display versus RSVP: t = -10.15, P < 0.01; printed display versus RSVP: t = -8.77, P < 0.01. 13 pt: full screen display versus RSVP: t = -11.64, P < 0.01; printed display versus RSVP: t = -10.79, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: Young readers who use the computer as a reading tool can achieve a maximum reading speed for Chinese when the font size of the reading text is larger than 7.8 pt. A font size of at least 3.5 times the acuity threshold can attain a maximum reading speed for RSVP.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of retinoid acid receptors in cultured human scleral fibroblasts and the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on the regulation of cell growth., Methods: Human scleral fibroblasts from three donors were isolated and cultured in Dulbecco Modified Ealge's Medium. Cells from the third or fifth generation were used in the present study. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of retinoid acid receptor subtypes in the fibroblasts. RA was added to the culture medium at concentrations of 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00 and 100.00 nmol/L, separately. Cells were counted and statistically analyzed six days after being treated with RA. Each strain of the cells was examined three times., Results: Cultured fibroblasts mainly showed a bipolar or spindle-shaped morphology with an average time of 2 to 3 days for each division. RT-PCR showed mRNA expression of six subtypes of RA receptors (RAR alpha, RAR beta, RAR gamma, RXR alpha, RXR beta, and RXR gamma). The proliferation of scleral fibroblasts was inhibited by 2.2%, 17.6%, 37.6%, 43.8% and 63.2% following the treatment with 0.01, 0.10, 1.00, 10.00 and 100.00 nmol/L of RA, respectively. Cell proliferation in RA-treated samples reduced significantly as compared to the control samples (P < 0.05) when the RA concentration exceeded 0.10 nmol/L., Conclusions: Six retinoid acid receptor subtypes are present in cultured human scleral fibroblasts and the growth of scleral fibroblasts was inhibited significantly by retinoic acid. These findings indicate that the sclera is a potential site of action for the retinoid acid during progression of myopia.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors-I (M1 receptor) in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in order to determine the role of M1 receptor in the maintenance of function of RPE and its role in the occurrence and development of myopia., Methods: The 3rd-5th passages of RPE cells established in our laboratory were used in the present study. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of M1 receptor in cultured RPE. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect M1 receptor protein in the RPE cells., Results: Cultured RPE demonstrated mRNA expression of M1 receptor in RT-PCR. Protein of M1 receptor was presented in the RPE under immunocytochemistry., Conclusions: This study demonstrated the presence of M1 receptor in human RPE at both mRNA and protein levels. M1 receptor plays an important role in the maintenance of function of RPE. Injection of M1 receptor antagonist into the vitreous can delay the occurrence and inhibit the development of myopia, which is possibly related to the inhibition of RPE cells function.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between corneal astigmatism and second order wavefront aberration in myopic eyes., Methods: The corneal astigmatism and the whole eye wavefront aberrations of both eyes of 246 subjects were measured using the Humphrey corneal topography and the WASCA wavefront analyzer. According to axial of the corneal astigmatism, the subjects were divided into five groups (WR(0), WR(180), AR, OA(45) and OA(135)). The corneal astigmatism was decomposed into J(45) and J(0) with a Vector-based method, and correlated with the 2nd order Zernike aberrations (C(3) and C(5))., Results: The mean corneal astigmatisms for the five groups were -1.34 D x 6.87 degrees, -1.03 D x 23.15 degrees, -0.48 D x 89.55 degrees, -0.91 D x 156.87 degrees and -1.02 D x 176.74 degrees respectively. Most of the corneal J(45) and J(0) components were correlated significantly with the C(3) and the C(5) aberrations in the whole eye. While the correlation coefficients (R(2)) between the J(45) and the C(3) were 0.138, 0.119, 0.090, 0.526 and 0.501, the R(2) between the J(0) and the C(5) were 0.711, 0.736, 0.864, 0.866 and 0.785 for the five groups respectively., Conclusions: The corneal astigmatism plays an important role in determining the 2nd order wavefront aberration in the whole eye, and the combination processes between the corneal and internal astigmatism (compensation and/or addition) change with the axial of the corneal astigmatism.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors-1 (mAChRs-1) in human sclera in order to determine whether the sclera is a potential site of action for mAChR antagonists., Methods: Cell lines of human scleral fibroblasts were cultured in Dulbecco Modified Eagle's Medium. Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect mRNA expression of M1 receptors in the fibroblasts. Immunocytochemistry was used to detect proteins of mAChRs in the cell lines. Immunohistochemical study was used to further detect the presence of M1 receptor in the frozen scleral sections., Results: The cultured fibroblasts demonstrated mRNA expression of M1 receptor in RT-PCR. Protein of the M1 was present in the fibroblasts by examination of immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry staining., Conclusion: This study demonstrated the presence of M1 receptor in human scleral fibroblasts at both mRNA and protein levels. This finding indicates that the sclera is a potential site of action for the currently used mAChR antagonists in prevention of human myopia.

Objective: To examine the expression of basic fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF R1) and transforming growth factor-beta receptors (TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII) in cultured human scleral fibroblasts., Methods: Scleral fibroblasts of passages 2-4 were used for the present studies. Polyclonal antibodies against FGF R1, TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII were used to detect the proteins of these receptors. Indirect immunofluorescence staining method (IIF) was used., Results: Antibodies for FGF R1, TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII produced specific staining of the entire cell surface, including the cell membrane enveloping cytoplasmic projections; positive staining in some cells was most intensive in the perinuclear region. Immunostaining mainly originated from the cell membranes, indicating that the presence of the receptor proteins on the cell surface. The intensity of staining for TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII was relatively strong, while staining of FGF R1 was relatively weak. The cells treated with PBS instead of primary antibodies did not produce specific staining., Conclusion: This study shows that cultured human scleral fibroblasts express the receptor protein for FGF R1, TGF-beta RI and TGF-beta RII and also indicates that these growth factors may influence these cells. Exogenous bFGF and TGF-beta administration may elicit actions through the binding with these receptors in the scleral fibroblasts.

Objective: This study sought to assess the difference of these ocular motor parameters in myopia onset and development were explored., Methods: 31 emmetropia and 46 myopia adult subjects were included in this study. The myopia subjects were divided into three groups as mild myopia, moderate myopia and high myopia. Phoria at distance and near, positive and negative relative accommodation (NRA/PRA) were measured. Accommodative convergence and accommodation stimulus ratio (AC/A) was determined through phoria values' calculation., Results: Calculated AC/A of myopia was higher than that of emmetropia, and there were trends of elevated AC/A with myopia power increasing. There was significant difference in phoria in near between the myopia group and emmetropia group, but none in that of distance. There was no significant difference in NRA. However, PRA of myopia was lower than that of the emmetropia (P <0.05)., Conclusions: Ocular motor parameters are different in myopia eyes. AC/A is one of key parameters among them, and AC/A is increased in myopia, which indicates out of focus of retinal image in the developing myopia.

Objective: A prospective study was performed to analyze the visual outcome and factors related to the visual outcome in cataract patients with extreme myopia, in order to provide a principle for intraocular lens (IOL) diopter chosen., Methods: 43 cases were included in the present series (myopia over 10.00 D, axial length over 27.00 mm, with clear cornea and slight or moderate opacity of the lens). Distance and near visual acuity (NVA), best corrected visual acuity and the fundus were examined before and after the phacoemulsification and implantation of IOL. chi(2) test and stepwise regression analysis were used to identify the predictive factors., Results: (1) Distance visual acuity, NVA and best corrected visual acuity were markedly improved in most cases. (2) NVA and fundus pathologic changes were two important factors for predicting post-operative visual acuity. (3) The prognosis was better in cases with NVA better than 20/200, and in cases with axial length below 29.00 mm. (4) Some cases with postoperative NVA worse than 20/80 complained of difficulty in reading., Conclusions: NVA is an important factor influencing the outcome of vision and is an important parameter for predicting the outcome of vision in cataract patients with extreme myopia. IOL diopter should be determined carefully by preoperative NVA and the patients' demand for near work.

Objective: The present study was designed to examine the visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity function (CSF) under three refractive correction methods, the visual performance and vision quality under different correction methods were compared and analyzed., Methods: Twenty three college students with myopia (41 eyes, myopia range: -1.25 D approximately 9.25 D; astigmatism < 0.50 D) were enrolled and fully corrected by three different methods: 1) spectacles with resin lens material (SP); 2) soft contact lens (SCL); 3) rigid gas-permeable lens (RGP). The distant and near LogMar VA and CSF were examined. To avoid the subjective bias, the correction procedure was randomly selected and the VA chart and CSF chart used had the same pattern but different letters' organization or directions., Results: The best corrected distant VA was significantly higher in RGP wearing eyes than those in the Soft-CL and SP wearing eyes (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). No statistically significant difference was detected between the SP and SCL wearing eyes. There was no significant difference in the near VA among these three conditions, although the near VA in RGP group was slightly better than that in the SCL condition. There was no significant difference in CSF value at low spatial frequencies (1.5 cpd and 3 cpd) among these three conditions. However, at middle and high spatial frequencies (6 cpd, 12 cpd and 18 cpd), the RGP curve was the highest and followed by the SCL and SP curves., Conclusion: RGP correction offers the best visual acuity quality for myopia subjects. The CSF assessment can be used as an indirect method to evaluate the quality of corrected retinal image.