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Published on: October 18, 2024
Ocular growth in premature infants conceived by in vitro fertilization versus natural conception
Ruth Axer-Siegel1, Dan Bourla, Lea Sirota
1Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel. seegs@netvision.net.il
Insights
In vitro fertilization (IVF) does not appear to impact the early eye development of premature infants. Key ocular measurements and retinal vascularization remain unaffected by conception method.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Premature infants face unique developmental challenges.
- Understanding factors influencing early ocular development is crucial for long-term vision health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential effects of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on the developing eyes of premature infants.
- To compare ocular parameters in premature infants conceived via IVF versus natural conception.
Main Methods:
- Assessed biometric and keratometric values, intraocular pressure, and retinal vascular status in 133 premature infants.
- Compared these parameters between infants conceived by IVF and naturally.
- Evaluated relationships with postconceptional age and weight at examination.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found in axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal radius, or intraocular pressure between IVF and naturally conceived groups.
- Axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal radius showed linear growth correlated with postconceptional age and weight.
- Retinal vascularization rate correlated with postconceptional age in both groups.
Conclusions:
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) does not seem to adversely affect early ocular growth, intraocular pressure, corneal curvature, or retinal vascularization in premature infants.
- These findings support ophthalmologists in evaluating ocular dimensions in premature infants, regardless of conception method.
Purpose:
To evaluate the possible effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on early development of the eye in premature infants.
Methods:
Biometric and keratometric values, intraocular pressure, and retinal vascular status were assessed in a cohort of 133 premature infants. These values were compared between premature infants conceived by IVF or naturally, and the relationship between these parameters and postconceptional age and weight at examination were evaluated.
Results:
The sample consisted of 133 premature infants, 62 (46.6%) born by IVF and 71 (53.4%) by natural conception. Postconceptional age at examination was 28 to 46 weeks. In both groups, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal radius correlated with the postconceptional age and weight at examination and followed a linear growth pattern. Lens thickness changed very slightly. The rate of retinal vascularization correlated with the postconceptional age as well. No correlation was found between intraocular pressure and corrected age or weight at examination. There was no difference between the study and control groups in any of the biometric or keratometric parameters or in intraocular pressure, according to two-way analysis of variance.
Conclusions:
IVF apparently does not affect early ocular growth, intraocular pressure, changes in corneal curvature, or retinal vascularization in premature infants. These findings may aid ophthalmologists in assessing ocular dimensions in this patient population.
