Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Do infants of birth weight less than 1500 g require additional long term ophthalmic follow up?
A R O'Connor1, C E Stewart, J Singh
1Division of Orthoptics, Thompson Yates Building, Quadrangle, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK. annaoc@liverpool.ac.uk
Insights
Ophthalmic follow-up protocols for very low birthweight (VLBW) children vary widely in the UK. Severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and low birth weight are significant risk factors for vision problems in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants are at increased risk for various ophthalmic conditions.
- Current follow-up protocols for VLBW children in the UK lack standardization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey current ophthalmic follow-up protocols for VLBW children in the United Kingdom.
- To identify risk factors associated with amblyogenic factors in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 288 orthoptic departments across the UK.
- Data from a cohort study were used for relative risk analysis.
Main Results:
- A 43% response rate was achieved, revealing significant variation in follow-up criteria (birth weight, gestational age, ROP status).
- No consensus existed on the timing of follow-up initiation or cessation.
- Birth weight <1500g, gestational age <33 weeks, and severe ROP were identified as significant risk factors for amblyogenic factors.
Conclusions:
- There is a lack of consensus regarding the necessity and timing of ophthalmic reviews for VLBW children.
- VLBW infants with severe ROP or neurological disorders face a high risk of ophthalmic deficits.
- Children with mild or no ROP who are not routinely monitored are at risk for treatable refractive errors and strabismus, suggesting a need for additional screening.
Aim:
To survey existing ophthalmic follow up protocols in the United Kingdom for very low birthweight (VLBW) children. In addition, relative risk analysis was performed using data from a cohort study to assess which factors (birth weight, gestational age, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) status) led to a high risk of developing amblyogenic factors.
Methods:
Questionnaires were sent to every orthoptic department in the United Kingdom (n = 288) for information on their policy on the follow up of VLBW children.
Results:
Responses were received from 125 departments (43%). There was a large variation in criteria used for follow up; 21% of respondents using birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA), 22% using stage 3 or treated ROP, the remainder using a combination of these factors. There was no consensus regarding when follow up should commence (from 3 months to 3 years) or cease (1-8 years). Relative risk analysis revealed that birth weight under 1500 g, GA under 33 weeks, and the presence of severe ROP were significant risk factors for developing one or more amblyogenic factors.
Conclusion:
There is no consensus on whether VLBW children need to be reviewed. There is a greatly increased risk of ophthalmic deficits in those with severe ROP or severe neurological disorders, and also in those with mild or no ROP. Children in the latter group who are not routinely followed up, have a high risk of developing treatable refractive errors and strabismus. This raises the question of whether an additional screening examination is merited.
