Ophthalmologic Outcomes of Children Born Premature Without ROP: Correlations With Gestational Age and Psychomotor Development

Abstract

In the absence of ROP, hyperopia was more common in infants 32 weeks or older who weighed more than 1,500 g at birth; other vision problems were similar in subgroups. This may represent impending myopia in those younger than 32 weeks weighing less than 1,500 g. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2017;54(1):32-38.].

Wide-field digital imaging system for assessing ocular anterior segment development in very preterm infants

“…There are differences in corneal morphology, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness,[ 1 ] and axial length[ 2 ] between preterm and term infants as the third trimester of pregnancy is a critical period for ocular development. Long-term effects of prematurity on the development of the ocular nerve include retinopathy of prematurity (ROP),[ 3 ] ametropia,[ 4 ] strabismus,[ 5 ] visual field defects, visual-motor integration defects,[ 6 ] color vision abnormalities, and glaucoma. [ 7 8 ] Currently, the prediction of ocular developmental outcomes presents a significant challenge for professionals in the field of ophthalmology.…”

Does prematurity “per se” cause visual deficits in preterm infants without retinopathy of prematurity?

“…However, some preterm infants without ROP also develop AVO. In one study of infants born after the turn of the millennium, overall vision impairments, myopia and astigmatism in particular, were more frequent among preterm infants without ROP compared to term controls [ 3 ]. In another study, strabism was present in 12% of children up to 3 years of age who were born preterm, were screened between 2011 and 2018, and had no ROP [ 4 ]; the overall prevalence in a community setting is about 6% [ 5 ].…”