Dear Editor,
I read with great interest the recently published study titled “6Utility of Retinoscope to Examine Peripheral Refraction,” author by Perdziak et al. I commend the authors for their valuable contribution to the field. The study investigates whether retinoscopy provides comparable results for relative peripheral refraction (RPR) to open field auto refractometery in myopic subjects. While the findings are significant, I would like to offer some questions and suggestions for further consideration and future research.
Firstly, the hypothesis that relative peripheral hyperopia predicts the development and progression of myopia is still debated.1 Some studies have suggested that relative peripheral hyperopia does not reliably predict the development or progression of myopia in children.
2The study by Hoogerheide et al. is often misinterpreted; his work does not provide conclusive evidence that peripheral refraction patterns are indicative of future myopia development. Additionally, there are studies indicating that RPR cannot predict development or progression of myopia in Caucasian children.3,4
This brings into question the efficacy of treatments aimed at slowing the progression of myopia in children by addressing relative peripheral hyperopia. Recent research by Jakobsen et al.5 also concluded that there was no significant correlation between RPR and myopia progression.
Further studies with larger sample size and extended follow up periods are essential to better understand the role of relative peripheral refraction in eye health. Such research could help refine methods for accurately measuring and correcting peripheral refraction, potentially leading to more effective treatments for related eye conditions.
I'm confident that the author's dedication to advancing the fields of optometry and ophthalmology will inspire future research and advancements. Your thoughtful consideration of these suggestions would greatly contribute to enhancing the study's long-term impact and relevance.
I eagerly await further research that will address these questions and contribute to a deeper understanding of peripheral refraction and its implications for clinical practice.
