METHODS: Totally 1 138(2 276 eyes)children aged 3-12 years old were enrolled in this study from January 2016 to October 2017. Equivalent spherical degree, axial length, corneal curvature and corneal thickness were measured.

RESULTS: The average spherical diopter of 1 138 children is -0.67±2.66D, the average corneal curvature is 43.37±1.72D, and the axial length is 23.65±1.41mm. The average corneal curvature of boys is 42.98±1.86D and that of girls is 43.81±1.42D. The axial length of boys is 23.94 ± 1.36 mm and that of girls is 23.32±1.40mm. The central corneal thickness of boys is 541.83±33.73μm and that of girls is 536.10±31.49μm. The corneal astigmatism of boys was 1.53±0.99D and that of girls is 1.65±1.02D. There is a significant difference between boys and girls. Axial length and central corneal thickness are lower in 3-6 age group than those in other age groups. Equivalent diopter and corneal astigmatism are higher than those in other age groups(P<0.05). Axial length and central corneal thickness are in positive correction with age. Axial ratio is positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with spherical equivalent.

CONCLUSION: The axial length and corneal curvature are the main factors affecting the refraction status in children. With the growth axial length, the curvature of cornea also changes to some extent. AL/CR can predict this change.