Purpose: To evaluate the refractive differences among school-aged children with macular or peripapillary fundus tessellation (FT) distribution patterns, using fundus tessellation density (FTD) quantified by deep learning (DL) technology.
Methods: The cross-sectional study included 1942 school children aged six to 15 years, undergoing ocular biometric parameters, cycloplegic refraction, and fundus photography. FTD was quantified for both the macular (6 mm) and peripapillary (4 mm) regions, using DL-based image processing applied to 45° color fundus photographs. Eyes exhibiting tessellation were classified into two groups: the macular distribution group had greater FTD in the macular area, while the peripapillary distribution group had higher FTD in the peripapillary area, allowing for a comparative analysis of axial length (AL), corneal radius, and refraction.
Results: Participants had a median age of 13 years and a median spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.75 D. The macular distribution group exhibited significantly larger AL (24.13 mm vs. 23.93 mm, P < 0.001) and more myopic refraction (-1.13 D vs. -0.75 D, P < 0.001) compared to the peripapillary group. A higher prevalence of macular-distributed FT was noted in the myopic groups (χ2 = 131.675, P < 0.001). SE negatively correlated with macular (r = -0.238) and peripapillary FTD (r = -0.195), while AL positively correlated with FTD in both regions (r = 0.308; r = 0.265) (all P < 0.001).
Conclusions: The macular FT distribution pattern is significantly associated with larger AL and greater myopic refraction in school-aged children, suggesting its potential as a marker for identifying children at risk of progressing myopia.
Translational relevance: DL analysis precisely identifies FT distribution patterns, potentially enhancing early detection of high-risk myopia in populations.