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The influence of low birth weight on the prevalence of refractive errors among schoolchildren

Damian Czepita1, Maria Zejmo, Artur Mojsa

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Pomeranian Medical University al. Powstańców Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin.

Annales Academiae Medicae Stetinensis
|November 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Low birth weight may influence refractive errors in schoolchildren. Children born weighing over 2500 grams showed higher rates of hyperopia and lower rates of anisometropia.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Refractive errors are common vision impairments in children.
  • Birth weight is a potential factor influencing early development, including ocular health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between low birth weight and the prevalence of refractive errors in a large cohort of schoolchildren.
  • To determine if birth weight impacts the occurrence of myopia, hyperopia, and anisometropia.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 3663 schoolchildren aged 6-17 years.
  • Refractive errors assessed via skiascopy with cycloplegia, reported as spherical equivalent (SE).
  • Birth weight data collected via parental questionnaire; statistical analysis using chi-square test.

Main Results:

  • Hyperopia was more prevalent in children aged 6-7 years with birth weights > 2500 grams (p < 0.05).
  • Anisometropia was less frequent in children aged 10-11 years with birth weights > 2500 grams (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Low birth weight may be associated with the prevalence of refractive errors in schoolchildren.
  • Findings suggest a potential link between birth weight and specific refractive error types, warranting further investigation.
Abstract

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