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Optic disc morphology in premature infants
Sabine Hackl1, Florian Zeman, Horst Helbig
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Centre Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
Insights
Optic disc morphology in premature infants is influenced by low birth weight and gestational age. Premature birth is linked to a double ring feature on the optic disc.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Optic disc morphology and optic nerve development are crucial for infant visual function.
- Limited data exists on optic disc characteristics in premature infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze optic disc morphology in premature infants.
- To investigate the correlation between optic disc form, gestational age, and birth weight.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of widefield RetCam images from 61 premature infants (111 optic discs).
- Evaluation of optic disc shape (vertical-horizontal diameter ratio), cupping, cup-to-disc ratio, and double ring presence.
Main Results:
- 110/111 optic discs exhibited a vertical-oval shape.
- Significant negative correlation found between optic disc form and both birth weight (p=0.003) and gestational age (p=0.03).
- A double ring was present in 75% and visible disc cupping in 89% of optic discs.
Conclusions:
- Premature birth is associated with the presence of a double ring on the optic disc.
- Lower birth weight and gestational age significantly impact optic disc shape in premature infants.
Background:
To date, little is known about the morphology of optic discs in premature infants. However, optic disc morphology and optic nerve development are two factors that potentially influence visual function in infants. Thus we analysed the morphology of the optic disc and its correlation with gestational age and birth weight.
Methods:
In a retrospective trial, we assessed the widefield images (RetCam system) of 111 optic discs of 61 premature infants. We evaluated the form of the optic disc, defined by the ratio of the vertical to the horizontal diameter, the presence or absence of visible disc cupping, the cup to disc ratio and the presence or absence of a double ring (a concentric paler zone around the optic disc).
Results:
110 of 111 optic discs had a vertical-oval form. We found a significant negative correlation between the form of the optic disc and birth weight (p=0.003) and gestational age (p=0.03); 75% of optic discs showed a double ring and 89% had visible disc cupping.
Conclusions:
In our study, premature birth was associated with the presence of a double ring. A low birth weight and low gestational age influence the form of the optic disc.
