[Organ of vision in preterm infant]
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Vestnik Oftalmologii
|October 19, 1999
Insights
Preterm infants
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Preterm infants exhibit unique ocular characteristics that predispose them to anterior segment diseases.
- Reduced sensitivity of the cornea and conjunctiva, unstable precorneal tear film, and insufficient lacrimal production are noted.
- Immature pupillary light reflexes and decreased light stimulus response are typical in preterm neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific ophthalmological findings in preterm infants.
- To identify risk factors for ocular diseases in the preterm population.
- To highlight the challenges and recommendations for neonatal eye examinations.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological examinations were conducted on 79 preterm infants.
- Assessment included evaluation of corneal and conjunctival sensitivity, tear film stability, and lacrimal production.
- Light and pupillary reflexes were observed.
Main Results:
- Key findings include reduced corneal and conjunctival sensitivity, unstable precorneal membranes, and inadequate lacrimal secretion.
- Preterm infants demonstrated diminished responses to light stimuli and absent pupillary light reflexes.
- Ocular media opacity and infant positioning in incubators complicate examinations.
Conclusions:
- The identified ocular features in preterm infants may increase susceptibility to anterior segment pathologies.
- Regular ophthalmological follow-up is crucial for monitoring and managing potential eye conditions in preterm neonates.
- Specialized training is recommended for physicians performing ophthalmological examinations on preterm infants.
Abstract:
Examinations of the organ of vision in 79 preterm infants showed lack of sensitivity of the conjunctiva and cornea, unstable precorneal membrane, and insufficient lacrimal production; these features may promote the development of diseases of the anterior segment of the eyeball. Decreased reaction to a light stimulus and lack of the pupil reaction to light are characteristic features of a preterm infant. The position of the baby lying in an incubator and poor transparency of ocular media impedes the ophthalmological examination and require special training of the physician. Pathological changes in the fundus oculi of a preterm baby should be regularly checked up by an oculist during the postnatal period.
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