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Ocular manifestations in children born after in vitro fertilization
1Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel. irene@hadassah.org.il
Insights
Children born after in vitro fertilization (IVF) frequently exhibit ocular abnormalities. Early detection through prenatal screening is crucial for identifying these vision issues in IVF-conceived offspring.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pediatrics
Background:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common assisted reproductive technology.
- The long-term health outcomes of children conceived via IVF require ongoing investigation.
- Ocular development and health in IVF-conceived children are of particular interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the spectrum and prevalence of ocular abnormalities in children born following IVF.
- To highlight the importance of ophthalmic evaluations for this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 children born after IVF pregnancy underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations.
- Obstetric and pregnancy histories were collected via maternal questionnaires.
- Visual acuity, cycloplegic refraction, and ocular malformations were assessed.
Main Results:
- Major ocular malformations were identified in 26% of the children.
- Refractive errors were common, including hypermetropia (57%) and myopia (16%).
- Significant visual impairment was noted in both nonverbal (9%) and verbal (17%) children.
Conclusions:
- Ocular anomalies are frequently encountered in children born after IVF.
- Routine prenatal screening for ocular malformations in IVF-conceived infants is recommended.
- Further research is needed to establish the precise prevalence and etiological factors.
Objective:
To report the ocular abnormalities found in children born after in vitro fertilization.
Methods:
Forty-seven children (25 girls and 22 boys) born after an in vitro fertilization pregnancy (mean +/- SD birth weight, 2335 +/- 817 g; range, 924-4300 g) and referred for ophthalmic evaluation were included in the study. All underwent a thorough ocular examination. Obstetric history was gathered following a detailed questionnaire with the mothers.
Results:
Of 70 eyes among nonverbal children, visual acuity was "normal for age" in 60 (86%), "fair" in 4 (6%), and "poor" in 6 (9%). Visual acuity in 24 eyes in verbal children ranged from 6/6 to no light perception, with 4 (17%) having poor vision. Cycloplegic refraction disclosed an emmetropia in 22 (27%), hypermetropia in 47 (57%), and myopia in 13 (16%) of the eyes. Anisometropia of more than 1.0 diopters was found in 8 children. Major ocular malformations were observed in 12 (26%) of the 47 children. These malformations included Coats disease, congenital cataract, congenital glaucoma, hypoplastic optic nerve head, idiopathic optic atrophy, coloboma with microphthalmos, and retinoblastoma.
Conclusions:
Ocular anomalies were frequently observed in this cohort of offspring born after in vitro fertilization. A diligent and prospective prenatal search for such malformations should unveil the real prevalence of ocular malformations in children born after in vitro fertilization.