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Macular parameters and prematurity: A spectral domain coherence tomography study
Yasser M Tariq1, George Burlutsky, Paul Mitchell
1Centre for Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Premature birth (born <33 weeks) is linked to a thicker central macula and thinner outer macular rings in children aged 10-19 years. These findings highlight potential long-term visual development differences in preterm individuals.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Premature birth can impact long-term visual development.
- Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) allows detailed macular imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between premature birth and macular parameters.
- To analyze macular structure using SD-OCT in adolescents.
Main Methods:
- The Sydney Adolescent Vascular and Eye Study included 1,672 participants aged 10-19 years.
- Macular parameters were measured using SD-OCT.
- Perinatal history was collected via parental questionnaires, excluding children with retinopathy of prematurity.
Main Results:
- Children born at ≤32 weeks gestational age had significantly thicker central subfields compared to those born at ≥37 weeks (266.3 μm vs 251.7 μm).
- The ≤32 weeks group exhibited smaller average cube thickness, outer macular ring thickness, and cube volume.
- No significant differences were observed between the 33-36 weeks group and the ≥37 weeks group.
Conclusions:
- Children born before 33 weeks gestational age show distinct macular parameters in adolescence.
- Thicker central maculas and thinner macular outer rings are associated with extremely preterm birth.
- SD-OCT reveals structural differences in the macula related to gestational age at birth.
