Effects of confined space and near vision stimulation on refractive status and vitreous chamber depth in adolescent rhesus monkeys

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of sustained near vision stimulation, on the refractive development and elongation of the vitreous chamber in adolescent rhesus monkeys. A total of 12 adolescent rhesus monkeys (1.5-2.0 years old) were randomly assigned to 3 groups. In groups A (n=4) and B (n=4), monkeys were reared in close-vision cages for 8 and 4 h d(-1), respectively; tiny granules were added on the cage floor to avoid visual deprivation and to encourage near gaze. In group C (n=4), monkeys were reared in open-vision cages, with non-granule food as a control. Vitreous chamber depth, refractive status, and corneal refractive power were assessed over 18 months. Paired t-test was used to compare the differences and a P-value<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. In group A, vitreous chamber depth and optical axis elongated significantly, and refractive error shifted towards myopia during the observation period. In group B, vitreous chambers and optical axis elongated but the refractive power did not show significant changes. In group C, there was no significant elongation in vitreous chambers and optical axis, and the refractive power changed slightly towards hypermetropia. There were no significant changes in corneal refractive power in each group. Sustained near vision can promote vitreous chamber growth and induce myopic shifts in refractive power in adolescent monkeys. Our results demonstrate the potential for a primate model of near-work-related myopia.