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The effect of prematurity on tear production
Yusuf Akar1, Askin Cira, Cemil Apaydin
1Department of Ophthalmology, Akdeniz University School of Medicine, Antalya, Turkey. dryakar@yahoo.com
Current Eye Research
|February 20, 2004
Summary
Preterm infants show significantly lower tear production than term infants during the first two months of life. Postconceptional age, not birth weight, is the key factor influencing tear secretion in newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Ocular Physiology
Background:
- Neonatal tear production is crucial for ocular surface health.
- Understanding factors influencing tear secretion in newborns is essential for identifying potential ocular issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of birth weight and postconceptional age on tear production in preterm and term infants.
- To track changes in tear secretion during the initial two months of life.
Main Methods:
- Schirmer tear tests (basal and reflex) were performed on preterm and term infants.
- Measurements were taken on the second day of life, and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks.
- Infants were categorized by postconceptional age and birth weight.
Main Results:
- Preterm infants exhibited significantly lower basal and reflex tear secretion than term infants.
- Postconceptional age strongly correlated with tear secretion in preterm infants (p<0.001).
- Birth weight showed a weak correlation, while gender and eye laterality had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants have demonstrably reduced tear secretion compared to term infants.
- Postconceptional age is a more significant determinant of tear secretion than birth weight.
- Tear production increases with age, but preterms show a delayed significant increase.