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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking
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A Method to Quantify Visual Information Processing in Children Using Eye Tracking

Published on: July 9, 2016

Visual function in low birthweight children

A R O'Connor1, T J Stephenson, A Johnson

  • 1Division of Orthoptics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. annaoc@liv.ac.uk

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|August 20, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Children born with low birth weight (LBW) exhibit significantly reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity at age 10-12 years. These visual function deficits persist despite prematurity not being a strong predictor of long-term outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant global health concern.
  • Visual development in children born prematurely requires ongoing assessment.
  • Long-term visual function in LBW children compared to full-term peers is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess visual functions in 10-12-year-old children born with LBW (<1701 g).
  • To compare visual outcomes of LBW children with a cohort of full-term born children.
  • To identify potential predictors of long-term visual function in LBW individuals.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 572 LBW children underwent neonatal screening and were invited for a 10-12 year follow-up.
  • A control group of 169 full-term born schoolchildren was recruited.
  • Visual acuity (distance and near), contrast sensitivity, color vision, and visual fields were measured.

Main Results:

  • 293 LBW children completed the follow-up examination.
  • LBW children demonstrated significantly lower distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity compared to the full-term cohort (p<0.001).
  • Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was an unreliable predictor of long-term visual outcomes; no key neonatal factors were identified as predictors.

Conclusions:

  • LBW is associated with a statistically significant deficit in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
  • Both LBW and ROP negatively impact long-term visual functions in children.
  • Early identification and monitoring of visual health in LBW populations are crucial.
Abstract

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