Association of Sharir Prakriti with Ocular Biometrics in Children with Simple Developmental Myopia: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The global prevalence of simple developmental myopia in children is increasing rapidly. Sharir Prakriti in Ayurveda is a key determinant of an individual's structural and physiological characteristics including propensity to diseases. Its potential association with ocular biometric parameters in myopia has not been systematically explored. Objective: To explore the association between dominant Sharir Prakriti and ocular biometric parameters in children with simple developmental myopia. Materials and Methods: This exploratory cross-sectional pilot study included 30 children aged 10 years with simple developmental myopia (−0.50 D to −5.00 D). Sharir Prakriti was assessed using the AyuSoft C-DAC software and classified according to the dominant Dosha (Kapha, Pitta or Vata). Ocular biometric parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), vitreous length, and corneal curvature (K1, K2) were measured using A-scan biometry and keratometry. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and non-parametric group comparisons were performed. Results: Kapha dominance was observed in 53% of participants, followed by Pitta (30%) and Vata (17%). Axial length showed a significant moderate negative correlation with refractive error (r = −0.65, p < 0.001) reflecting the negative diopter scale of myopia. A significant difference in axial length was observed across Sharir Prakriti groups (p = 0.024), with the highest mean values in the Vata-dominant group. Among the biometric parameters examined, the AL:CRC ratio showed the largest absolute correlation with refractive error in this sample. Conclusion: This pilot study provides preliminary evidence of a possible association between Sharir Prakriti and ocular biometric variation. Given the small sample and cross-sectional design, these findings require cautious interpretation and confirmation in larger studies.