title: A review and evaluation of theories of refractive error development.
abstract: A review of theories of the development of refractive errors is presented. These are classified into three major groups: the biological-statistical theories, the use-abuse theories and theories of emmetropization. They are commented upon and their merits contrasted. Current research developments which relate to these theories are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D006956:Hyperopia / Q000209:etiology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D009216:Myopia / Q000209:etiology; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics