Correlation analysis and multiple regression formulas of refractive errors and ocular components.

The multiple regression formulas and correlation of ocular components with refractive errors are presented by Gaussian optics. The refractive error changing rate for the cornea and lens power, the axial length, anterior chamber depth (ACD) and vitreous chamber depth (VCD) are calculated, including nonlinear terms for more accurate rate functions than the linear theory. Our theory, consistent with the empirical data, shows that the Pearson correlation coefficients for spherical equivalent (SE) and ocular components are highest for SE with axial length, ACD and VCD and weakest for corneal power, lens power and lens thickness. Moreover, our regression formulas show the asymmetric feature of the correlation that the axial length, ACD and VCD are more strongly correlated (with higher negative regression constants) with refractive errors in eyes with hyperopia than in eyes with myopia, particularly for severe hyperopia.