Impact of percutaneous embolization versus subinguinal microsurgical ligation on semen parameters in primary varicocele patients: comparative study

Abstract Background Varicocele is an abnormally dilated pampiniform plexus of the veins within the spermatic cord and is considered the most common correctable cause of male factor infertility. Many approaches are described for treatment either surgical (tradition inguinal, subinguinal, and laparoscopic) or non-surgical percutaneous embolization. During the period from August 2017 to December 2018, we prospectively analyzed the preoperative and post-operative alteration of semen parameters (at 3 and 9 months) of the data collected from 63 patients with clinically evident varicocele referred to our tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1, thirty-three patients who underwent subinguinal microsurgical ligation, and group 2, thirty patients who underwent percutaneous embolization. Results Sixty-three patients enrolled in this study were divided in two groups: group 1, patients who underwent surgery, and group 2, patients who underwent embolization; the mean age is 24.6 ± 1.27 years in group 1 and 23.7 ± 2 years in group 2; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups as regards BMI, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. Bilaterality was present in 15.2% of group 1 patients and 10% in group 2 patients (P value 0.06). Most of the patients were classified as grades 2 and 3 with no statistical significance regarding severity of the disease. Preoperative semen parameters for patients including sperm count, motility, and abnormal forms showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Post-intervention semen analysis was done twice during follow-up after 3 months and 9 months from the date of intervention. After 3 months, the semen parameters were improved in both groups in spite of the higher sperm count in group 2 but with no statistical significance. After 9 months follow-up, semen analysis showed persistent increase in sperm mobility in group 1 patients in comparison to group 2 patients. Both groups had better improvement in count of normal form with no statistical significant change. Conclusion Improvement of semen parameters while treating primary varicocele by either subinguinal microsurgery approach or percutaneous embolization shows equivalent outcomes.

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Contribution of pre-varicocelectomy color Doppler ultrasonography finding to surgery and its correlation with semen parameters

Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia ◽

10.4081/aiua.2021.2.227 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 93 (2) ◽

pp. 227-232

Author(s):

Caner Ediz ◽

Muhammed Cihan Temel ◽

Suna Şahin Ediz ◽

Serkan Akan ◽

Serkan Yenigürbüz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Examination ◽

Doppler Ultrasonography ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Color Doppler ◽

Color Doppler Ultrasonography ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Grade 3 ◽

Group 1

Background: This study aimed to determine the contribution of color Doppler ultrasonography (CDUS) performed before varicocelectomy to the success of surgical treatment and to evaluate the correlation between CDUS findings and semen parameters. Methods: A total of 84 patients diagnosed with grade 3 left varicocele in our clinic between 2016 and 2018 were evaluated. The patients in whom the decision for varicocelectomy was based on only physical examination (PE) findings and abnormal semen analysis (SA) were defined as Group 1, while the patients undergoing varicocelectomy based on PE, CDUS and SA findings were defined as Group 2. The patients diagnosed with varicocele based on PE and CDUS findings who were included in a followup protocol due to normal semen parameters were defined as Group 3. Results: In Group 1, there was a total of 28 patients and the mean number of ligated internal spermatic veins was 4.53 (range, 2-10). In Group 2, there was a total of 30 patients and the number of ligated internal spermatic veins was 3.76 (range, 1-8). No statistically significant difference was found between Group 1 and 2 in terms of the number of internal spermatic veins ligated during varicocelectomy. No statistically significant correlation was found between semen parameters and the number of veins ligated during varicocelectomy in Group 1 and 2 and between semen parameters and CDUS findings group 2 and 3. Conclusions: In patients with primary grade 3 varicocele, diagnosed by physical examination there is no need for additional imaging in primary cases.

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Investigation of the effect of body mass index (BMI) on semen parameters and male reproductive system hormones

Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia ◽

10.4081/aiua.2017.3.219 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 89 (3) ◽

pp. 219 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Mehmet Zeynel Keskin ◽

Salih Budak ◽

Evrim Emre Aksoy ◽

Cem Yücel ◽

Serkan Karamazak ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Mass Index ◽

Body Mass ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Reproductive Hormones ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Total Testosterone ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Aim: To evaluate the effects of body mass index (BMI) ratio on semen parameters and serum reproductive hormones. Materials and methods: The data of 454 patients who prsented to male infertility clinics in our hospital between 2014 and 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Weight, height, serum hormone levels and semen analysis results of the patients were obtained. BMI values were calculated by using the weight and height values of the patients and they were classified as group 1 for BMI values ≤ 25 kg/m2, as group 2 for BMI values 25-30 kg/m2 and as group 3 for BMI values ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results: The mean values of BMI, semen volume, concentration, total motility, progressive motility, total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC), normal morphology according to Kruger, head abnormality, neck abnormality, tail abnormality, FSH, LH, prolactin, T/E2, total testosterone and estradiol parameters of the patients were considered. Patients were divided according to BMI values in Group 1 (n = 165), Group 2 (n = 222) and Group 3 (n = 56). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of all variables between the groups. Conclusions: We analyzed the relationship between BMI level and semen parameters and reproductive hormones, demonstrating no relationship between BMI and semen parameters. In our study, BMI does not affect semen parameters although it shows negative correlation with prolactin and testosterone levels.

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Laparoscopic varicocelectomy in male infertility

Wiener klinische Wochenschrift ◽

10.1007/s00508-021-01897-w ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Felix Seiler ◽

Philipp Kneissl ◽

Claudius Hamann ◽

Klaus-Peter Jünemann ◽

Daniar Osmonov

Keyword(s):

Sperm Count ◽

University Hospital ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Nonobstructive Azoospermia ◽

Sperm Density ◽

Reproductive Techniques ◽

Group 2 ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count ◽

Group 1

Summary Background The suitability of laparoscopic varicocelectomy for assisted reproductive technology depends on the improvement of semen parameters. The present study analyzed the improvement of semen parameters following laparoscopic varicocele ligation. Material and methods A retrospective study of the laparoscopic varicocele clippings at the Department of Urology of University Hospital of Kiel between the years 2007 and 2019 was conducted. The semen analyses according to WHO standards (sperm count, density, motility and morphology) were conducted before and 12 months after surgery. Screening for surgical complications took place at the time of the follow-up seminal analysis. Included were patients with oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia and/or teratozoospermia (group 1, OAT) or with nonobstructive azoospermia (group 2, NOA). Results This study included data of 27 patients and 22 patients presented preoperative OAT (81%, group 1). Another 5 patients showed NOA (19%, group 2). Data of group 1 showed that semen parameters normalized in 32% of the patients after surgery. Significant improvement in total sperm count (p < 0.005), sperm density (p < 0.005) and total motile sperm count (p < 0.005) was observed. No deterioration of semen parameters was observed. In group 2 we detected spermatozoa in 1 case in the postoperative ejaculate. None of the patients showed complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, postoperative hydrocele formation or recurrence of varicocele at the time of control spermiogram. Conclusion Laparoscopic varicocelectomy is a valid therapeutic approach to improve semen parameters for further assisted reproductive techniques. Spermatogenesis may be induced for patients with NOA. Normalization of semen parameters can be achieved for patients with OAT.

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Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes in Patients with STEMI in Croatia and Kosovo

10.46619/joh.2020.1-1006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 24-28

Author(s):

Koshi Rreze ◽

◽

Strozzi Maja ◽

Milicic Davor ◽

Elezi Shpend ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Interventional Procedure ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Treatment Modalities ◽

Drug Eluting Stent ◽

Term Survival ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

INTRODUCTION The aim of our study was to compare clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment modalities and medium-term outcomes in STEMI patients in two different countries, Croatia and Kosovo. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 77 consecutive patients from two regional hospitals, included in the STEMI network of University Clinical Center Zagreb, Croatia (group 1), and 75 STEMI consecutive patients treated in regional Hospital Gjakova, Kosovo (group 2). Standard laboratory tests were performed in both study groups. Patients were treated by the standard protocol of the country and hospital where they were treated. Immediate clinical outcomes and 6 months follow up results regarding MACE were compared. RESULTS There was no significant difference between groups in basic clinical characteristic except for diabetes mellitus, (x2 = 6.96, P = 0.008, P <0.01) and glycaemia control (U’ = 1530, P = 0.013).No significant difference between two groups in laboratory findings. There was a difference in percent of patients treated with primary PCI, 71 in gr 1 and 55 in group 2, reaching statistical significance (x2 test 8,261, p = 0.0045). In patients treated with PCI, there was no difference in “door to balloon time” (DTB) between groups. There was a remarkable difference in proportion of drug eluting stent (DES) implantation (3.5% in group 1, 29.1% in group 2 (x2 test 13.5, P = 0.0002).The difference partly derives from the relatively large number of balloon interventions in group 2. There was 2 deaths in group 1 in early hospital period, both during interventional procedure, one of the patients was in cardiogenic shock. There was no early mortality in group 2. In 6 month clinical follow up there were 3 deaths in group 2, all in patient with no revascularization, and no death in group 1. CONCLUSION We compared the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes, in STEMI patients from two countries. After initial mortality, patients from Croatia had a better mid-term survival after recovery from their AMI compared to patients from Kosovo. Use of revascularization procedures was beneficial, but it was less often performed in Kosovo

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Effects of posterior tibial slope on the mid-term results of medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Arthroplasty ◽

10.1186/s42836-021-00070-y ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Zhijie Chen ◽

Kaizhe Chen ◽

Yufei Yan ◽

Jianmin Feng ◽

Yi Wang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Knee Flexion ◽

Tibial Slope ◽

Posterior Tibial ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

Postoperative Knee ◽

Group 1

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effect of medial posterior tibial slope (PTS) on mid-term postoperative range of motion (ROM) and functional improvement of the knee after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods Medical records of 113 patients who had undergone 124 medial UKAs between April 2009 through April 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. The mean follow-up lasted 7.6 years (range, 6.2–11.2 years). Collected were demographic data, including gender, age, height, weight of the patients. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral knee radiographs of the operated knees were available in all patients. The knee function was evaluated during office follow-up or hospital stay. Meanwhile, postoperative PTS, ROM, maximal knee flexion and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score (pre−/postoperative) of the operated side were measured and assessed. According to the size of the PTS, patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (<4°), group 2 (4° ~ 7°) and group 3 (>7°). The association between PTS and the knee function was investigated. Results In our cohort, the average PTS was 2.7° ± 0.6° in group 1, 5.6° ± 0.9° in group 2 and 8.7° ± 1.2° in group 3. Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences among them (p < 0.01). The average maximal flexion range of postoperative knees in each group was 112.4° ± 5.6°, 116.4° ± 7.2°, and 117.5° ± 6.1°, respectively, with significant difference found between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05), and between group 1 and group 3 (p < 0.05). However, the gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) did not differ between three groups and there was no significant difference between groups in terms of pre−/postoperative HSS scores or postoperative knee ROM. Conclusion A mid-term follow-up showed that an appropriate PTS (4° ~ 7°) can help improve the postoperative flexion of knee. On the other hand, too small a PTS could lead to limited postoperative knee flexion. Therefore, the PTS less than 4° should be avoided during medial UKA.

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The Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and 5-Year All-Cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients

Blood Purification ◽

10.1159/000515639 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Emre Erdem ◽

Ahmet Karatas ◽

Tevfik Ecder

Keyword(s):

Serum Ferritin ◽

Hemodialysis Patients ◽

Rank Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

Group 3 ◽

Group 2 ◽

The Relationship ◽

Group 1

Introduction: The effect of high serum ferritin levels on long-term mortality in hemodialysis patients is unknown. The relationship between serum ferritin levels and 5-year all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients was investigated in this study. Methods: A total of 173 prevalent hemodialysis patients were included in this study. The patients were followed for up to 5 years and divided into 3 groups according to time-averaged serum ferritin levels (group 1: serum ferritin <800 ng/mL, group 2: serum ferritin 800–1,500 ng/mL, and group 3: serum ferritin >1,500 ng/mL). Along with the serum ferritin levels, other clinical and laboratory variables that may affect mortality were also included in the Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis. Results: Eighty-one (47%) patients died during the 5-year follow-up period. The median follow-up time was 38 (17.5–60) months. The 5-year survival rates of groups 1, 2, and 3 were 44, 64, and 27%, respectively. In group 3, the survival was lower than in groups 1 and 2 (log-rank test, p = 0.002). In group 1, the mortality was significantly lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.16 [0.05–0.49]; p = 0.001). In group 2, the mortality was also lower than in group 3 (HR [95% CI]: 0.32 [0.12–0.88]; p = 0.026). No significant difference in mortality between groups 1 and 2 was found (HR [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.23–1.04]; p = 0.063). Conclusion: Time-averaged serum ferritin levels >1,500 ng/mL in hemodialysis patients are associated with an increased 5-year all-cause mortality risk.

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COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF RESTORATIVE TREATMENTS ON NON-CARIOUS CERVICAL LESIONS OF COMPOSITE AND GLASS IONOMER CEMENT

Journal of Medicine and Pharmacy ◽

10.34071/jmp.2020.4.5 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 38-45

Author(s):

Duong Nguyen Thi Thuy ◽

Huong Nguyen Thi Kim

Keyword(s):

Glass Ionomer Cement ◽

Glass Ionomer ◽

Cervical Lesions ◽

Composite Restorations ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Composite Glass ◽

Group 2 ◽

Ionomer Cement ◽

Group 1

Background: Composite and Glass ionomer cement (GIC) are common restorative materials of non carious cervical lesions (NCCLs), which effects are controverisial. The aim of the present study was to compare the result of restorations on NCCLs between Composite and GIC. Materials and Methods: follow-up clinical trial with split-mouth design. Thirty-six patients with 96 NCCLs were divided into 2 groups (n=48/group): Group 1 restored by Composite, Group 2 restored by GIC. The restorations were evaluated at baseline, 1 and 3 months for pulpal sensitivity, restoration morphology and overall success grade. Results: GIC restorations gained 100% Good results for all parameters at 3 time points. Composite showed 87.5%, 93.8% and 97.9% Good results at baseline, 1 and 3 months, sequentially. At 3 weeks recall, 1 Composite restorations (2.1%) showed Moderate results of Retention and 2 Composite restorations (4.2%) changed colour. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference seen among the three groups for 3 parameters. Key words: non-carious cervical lesion, Composite, Glass ionomer cement

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Comparison of Changes in Number of Hyperreflective Dots After İntravitreal Ranibizumab or Dexamethasone İmplant in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion

10.21203/rs.3.rs-736656/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aylin Karalezli ◽

Sema Kaderli ◽

Ahmet Kaderli ◽

Cansu Kaya ◽

Sabahattin Sul

Keyword(s):

First Year ◽

Intravitreal Ranibizumab ◽

Retinal Layers ◽

Vein Occlusion ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group 3 ◽

The Mean ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) or intravitreal dexamethasone implants (IVD) on regression of hyperreflective dots (HRDs) on optical coherence tomography (OCT) B-scan in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 37 eyes of 37 patients with cystoid macular edema who received IVR or IVD and followed up for at least 12 months were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups according to intravitreal treatment. Group 1 consisted of 12 eyes who received only IVD, group 2 consisted of 10 eyes who received only IVR on a pro re nata and group 3 consisted of 15 eyes who received both IVD and IVR. OCT parameters (CMT, number of HRDs, status of external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ)) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were compared between the groups over the follow-up time. HRDs were categorized as HRD in inner retinal layers (from the internal limiting membrane to the inner nuclear layer) or HRD in outer retinal layers (from the outer plexiform layer to the outer border of the photoreceptor layer).Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of BCVA, CMT, HRDs in the inner and the outer retinal layers at baseline visit. (p˃0.05 for all) Comparing the baseline values in all groups, a significant decrease was observed in CMT in the first year. (For group 1; p=0.013, group 2; p=0.010; group 3, p<0.001) The BCVA was significantly increased after 1 year in all groups. (p=0.001, p=0.006, p<0.001) The mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers were significantly decreased in group 1 and group 3. (For group 1; p<0.001, p=0.001, for group 3; p<0.001, p<0.001) However, there was no significant difference in terms of the mean number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers for group 2. (p=0.134, p=0.477) At the first year, the number of HRDs in inner and outer retinal layers was significantly lower in group 1 and group 3 than group 2. (For inner HRDs; group 1 vs. group 2 p=0.007, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001. For outer HRDs group 1 vs. group 2 p<0.001, group 2 vs. group 3 p<0.001.) The BCVA was higher in group 3 than group 2 at 1year. (p=0.048). There was no significant difference in terms of post-treatment CMT and the number of HRDs between group 1 and group3 in posthoc tests (p=0.621, p=0.876, and p=0.632).Conclusion: The reduction in HRDs at 12 months and better BCVA after IVD intimates that the HRDs should be considered as inflammatory markers in the follow-up of CME in BRVO. Thus, IVD injection could be more appropriate for patients with higher HRDs after BRVO.

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Sperm DNA fragmentation in men of different age

Andrology and Genital Surgery ◽

10.17650/2070-9781-2019-20-4-39-44 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 39-44

Author(s):

S. Sh. Khayat ◽

E. E. Bragina ◽

E. A. Arifulin ◽

E. M. Lazareva ◽

T. M. Sorokina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Dna Breaks ◽

Study Objective ◽

Fragmented Dna ◽

Group 2 ◽

Group 1

The study objective is to analyze the content of spermatozoa with single and double-stranded DNA breaks in different age groups.Materials and methods. The level of DNA fragmentation was studied in 300 ejaculate samples obtained from 266 sub- or infertile men. The group 1 included 150 samples obtained from 131 patients under the age of 45 (21–44 years), the group 2 included 150 samples obtained from 135 patients above the age of 45 (45–68 years). Mean ages were 34.8 ± 3.9 and 48.6 ± 3.1 years, respectively. The number of sperm with fragmented DNA was evaluated using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method on ejaculate smears. The number of spermatozoa with >15 % of fragmented DNA was considered elevated. Standard semen analysis was performed in 117 and 97 men from the groups 1 and 2, respectively.Results. The number of sperm with fragmented DNA varied in ejaculated samples from 1.5 to 64.5 %. Mean number of sperm with DNA breaks in the group 1 (12.0 ± 6.0 %) was significantly lower than in the group 2 (16.1 ± 8.3 %, p <0.05). Mean sperm count in the ejaculate of the group 1 (267.0 ± 198.7 million) was significantly higher than in the group 2 (201.0 ± 162.9 million, p = 0.02).Conclusion. We revealed that in men over the age of 45 years, the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA fragmentation is higher than in men under 45 years of age, it may indirectly indicate an increased level of reactive oxygen species in the seminal plasma in older patients.

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Effects of Orthokeratology Lens On Axial Length Elongation in Myopia With Anisometropia Children

10.21203/rs.3.rs-741927/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ziyang Chen ◽

Kai-Ming Chen ◽

Ying Shi ◽

Zhao-Da Ye ◽

Sheng Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Retrospective Study ◽

Axial Length ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Spherical Equivalent ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

The Difference ◽

Better Than ◽

Group 1

Abstract AimTo investigate the effect of orthokeratology (OK) lens on axial length (AL) elongation in myopia with anisometropia children.MethodsThirty-seven unilateral myopia (group 1) and fifty-nine bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were involved in this 1-year retrospective study. And bilateral myopia with anisometropia children were divided into group 2A (diopter of the lower SER eye under − 2.00D) and group 2B(diopter of the lower SER eye is equal or greater than − 2.00D). The change in AL were observed.The datas were analysed using SPSS 21.0.Results(1) In group 1, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eye were 24.70 ± 0.89 mm and 23.55 ± 0.69 mm, respectively. In group 2A, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 24.61 ± 0.84 mm and 24.00 ± 0.70 mm respectively. In group 2B, the mean baseline AL of the H eyes and L eyes were 25.28 ± 0.72 mm and 24.70 ± 0.74 mm. After 1 year, the change in AL of the L eyes was faster than the H eyes in group 1 and group 2A (all P<0.001).While the AL of the H eyes and L eyes had the same increased rate in group 2B. (2) The effect of controlling AL elongation of H eyes is consistent in three groups (P = 0.559).The effect of controlling AL elongation of L eyes in group 2B was better than that in group 1 and group 2A (P < 0.001). And the difference between group 1 and group 2A has no statistical significance. (3) The AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 1.16 ± 0.55mm to 0.88 ± 0.68mm after 1 year in group 1.And in group 2A, the AL difference in H eyes and L eyes decreased from baseline 0.61 ± 0.34mm to 0.48 ± 0.28mm. There was statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). In group 2B, the baseline AL difference in H eyes and L eyes has no significant difference from that after 1 year (P = 0.069).ConclusionsMonocular OK lens is effective on suppression AL growth of the myopic eyes and reduce anisometropia value in unilateral myopic children. Binocular OK lenses only reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye under − 2.00D. Binocular OK lenses cannot reduce anisometropia with the diopter of the low eye equal or greater than − 2.00D. Whether OK lens can reduce refractive anisometropia value is related to the spherical equivalent refractive of low refractive eye in bilateral myopia with anisometropia children after 1-year follow-up.

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