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Published on: December 31, 2015
Central corneal thickness and corneal diameter in premature infants
Caitriona Kirwan1, Michael O'Keefe, Susan Fitzsimon
1Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
Insights
Premature infants have thicker corneas than adults. Corneal thickness significantly decreases, while corneal diameter increases, from 31 weeks gestational age to term in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) is known to be greater in full-term infants compared to adults.
- Limited data exists regarding CCT in premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in CCT and corneal diameter in premature infants.
- To establish the relationship between CCT and corneal diameter during premature development.
Main Methods:
- Central corneal thickness and horizontal corneal diameter were measured in 35 premature infants (70 eyes).
- Measurements were taken starting at approximately 31 weeks gestational age and continued until term.
- Infants were undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity.
Main Results:
- Premature infants at 31 weeks gestational age exhibit significantly thicker corneas.
- A progressive and statistically significant decrease in CCT was observed from 31 weeks to term.
- Horizontal corneal diameter showed a progressive and significant increase during the same period.
- A strong inverse correlation was identified between CCT and corneal diameter.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants possess thicker corneas and smaller corneal diameters compared to full-term infants.
- CCT decreases substantially, while corneal diameter increases significantly, from 31 weeks gestational age to term.
- These findings highlight significant developmental changes in corneal morphology during late preterm gestation.
Background:
Central corneal thickness is significantly greater in full-term infants than in adults. Very little is known about corneal thickness in premature infants.
Methods:
Measurements of central corneal thickness and horizontal corneal diameter were carried out in 35 premature babies (70 eyes) undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Initial measurements were taken at approximately 31 weeks gestational age and at intervals until term was reached.
Results:
Babies born at approximately 31 weeks have very thick corneas which show a progressive and statistically significant decrease to term. Conversely, horizontal corneal diameter shows a progressive significant increase to term. A very strong inverse correlation was found between these two parameters.
Conclusion:
We demonstrate that premature infants have thick corneas and small corneal diameters. Central corneal thickness decreases dramatically from approximately 31 weeks to term and is mirrored by a significant increase in corneal diameter.