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Prevalence and development of strabismus in 10-year-old premature children: a population-based study
Gerd Holmström1, Agneta Rydberg, Eva Larsson
1Department of Ophthalmology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Insights
Children born prematurely have a higher risk of developing strabismus by age 10. This study highlights key risk factors including refractive errors and neurological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Strabismus, or eye misalignment, is a common pediatric condition.
- Premature birth is associated with various developmental challenges.
- Long-term outcomes for premature infants require ongoing investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and development of strabismus at 10 years of age in children born prematurely.
- To compare strabismus rates in premature versus full-term children.
- To identify risk factors for strabismus in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study design was employed.
- Included 216 premature and 217 full-term children from the same geographic area.
- Children were followed to 10 years of age for strabismus assessment.
Main Results:
- Strabismus was diagnosed in 16.2% of premature children versus 3.2% of full-term children at 10 years.
- Significant risk factors identified included anisometropia at 6 months, significant refractive errors at 2.5 years, and neurological conditions.
- This indicates a substantially higher risk in the premature group.
Conclusions:
- Children born prematurely exhibit a significantly greater risk of developing strabismus by age 10 compared to their full-term counterparts.
- Early identification and management of refractive errors and neurological conditions are crucial for mitigating strabismus risk in premature infants.
Purpose:
To evaluate the prevalence and development of strabismus, at 10 years, in children born prematurely.
Methods:
This population-based study included 216 premature and 217 full-term children from the same geographic area.
Results:
Strabismus was noted in 16.2% (35 of 216) premature and in 3.2% (7 of 217) full-term children. The most important risk factors for strabismus at 10 years were anisometropia at 6 months, spherical equivalent refractive errors (i.e., > +3 D or < -3 D) at 2.5 years, and various neurologic conditions.
Conclusion:
At 10 years, children born prematurely have a greater risk of strabismus than children born at term.
