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Updated: May 23, 2026
10:32
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Development of the optic radiations and visual function after premature birth.
Michela Groppo1, Daniela Ricci2, Laura Bassi1
1Centre for the Developing Brain, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; NICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
Summary
Visual impairment in preterm infants is linked to optic radiation development. Abnormalities in fractional anisotropy (FA) during the late preterm period impact visual function, suggesting interventions after 30 weeks may help.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Preterm infants often show visual impairment linked to optic radiation microstructural development.
- Reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) measured by Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) at term equivalent age (TEA) indicates impaired development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that optic radiation microstructural abnormalities develop during the late preterm period.
- To investigate the relationship between fractional anisotropy (FA) and visual function in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) was performed on 53 preterm infants.
- Infants were scanned at a median post-menstrual age (PMA) of 30 weeks, with 22 infants scanned twice.
Main Results:
- FA in the optic radiation at TEA correlated with visual function, PMA at birth, and PMA at scan.
- FA increased significantly between scans in infants studied longitudinally (32 to 40 weeks PMA).
- Visual function was predicted by the rate of FA increase and FA at later scans, not early neonatal scans.
Conclusions:
- Microstructural maturation of the optic radiation during the late preterm period is crucial for normal visual function.
- Interventions initiated after 30 weeks post-menstrual age may mitigate visual impairment in preterm infants.
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