Dr. saumya .

Dr. NOOPUR PARAKH, Dr. (Mrs.) RADHIKA TANDON, Dr. M. VANATHI

Abstract

Objective:To explore the role of ultraviolet light exposure & circadian rhythm by estimating ocular sun exposure as measured by Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence (CUVAF) & quantifying serum & aqueous melatonin levels in myopes.

Method:32 myopes undergoing Phakic intraocular lens (IOL) surgery were included in the study.60 emmetropes were included in the control group. Sun exposure questionnaires, morning serum melatonin, aqueous melatonin(only from myopes) & area of CUVAF were noted and analysed.

Results:Mean age of myopes was 25.2±2.8 years.Serum melatonin was significantly higher (p value=0.001) among myopes.Sun exposure was less in myopes(p value= 0.001). Aqueous melatonin was detectable in 20 of 32 (40.6%) patients with a median value of 2.10pg/ml.There was no statistical association of aqueous melatonin level with axial length and age (P=0.87).

Conclusion:It is a pioneer study demonstrating an inverse relationship between serum melatonin & ocular UV exposure in myopes.