Emmetropization: a new approach to the familiar concepts

Abstract

The article is devoted to the critical analysis and clarifying the concept of «emmetropization» - one of the key notions used in the research of the eye optical components’ development process. The considerations for changing the semantic content of the term «emmetropization» are proposed. The authors offer to consider the statistically-based biological norm for young adult’s cycloplegic refraction (i.e. the peak of frequency in refractive errors distribution for corresponding age) as a target value for the emmetropization process - instead of the zero value of static clinical refraction used today. The authors believe in mostly «abstract figure» in the context of emmetropization. Presumably, not «zero» static refraction but a low degree of hyperopia should be used as a healthy norm for the young adults.

Keywords

emmetropization / genesis of refraction / static clinical refraction / age biologicl norm

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