Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Monitoring Dynamic Growth of Retinal Vessels in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Mouse Model
Published on: April 2, 2021
Foveal structure-function correlation in children with history of retinopathy of prematurity
Victor M Villegas1, Hilda Capó1, Kara Cavuoto1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
Insights
Children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) often have abnormal macular structures on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). However, visual acuity may remain good, suggesting cone maturation is key.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Retinal imaging
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) provides detailed cross-sectional imaging of the macula.
- Understanding the relationship between structural anomalies and visual function in ROP patients is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between visual acuity and macular abnormalities detected by SD OCT in children with a history of ROP.
- To identify specific SD OCT findings associated with visual outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of children aged 2-18 years with a history of ROP.
- Analysis of SD OCT scans to assess central foveal thickness and other macular parameters.
- Correlation of OCT findings with best-corrected visual acuity and other clinical data.
Main Results:
- 91% of eyes showed abnormal foveal morphology on SD OCT.
- Despite structural abnormalities, 64% of patients achieved 20/40 or better visual acuity.
- No consistent correlation was found between all structural changes and visual acuity.
Conclusions:
- Macular abnormalities are common in children with a history of ROP, as seen on SD OCT.
- Visual acuity may not directly correlate with all observed structural changes.
- Cone maturation and myopia appear to be significant factors influencing visual acuity in this population.
Purpose:
To correlate visual acuity to macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) anomalies detected in children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Design:
Retrospective cohort study.
Methods:
All charts of children with a history of ROP between 2 and 18 years of age and with SD OCT performed between 2010 and 2012 were reviewed. Central foveal thickness was measured and correlated with visual acuity. Secondary outcome measures included temporal parafoveal thickness, presence of the inner nuclear layer and outer segment, gestational age at birth, sex, spherical equivalent, history of laser treatment, and developmental delay.
Results:
The study included 44 better-seeing eyes of 44 patients. Sixty-four percent (28/44) of patients in our study had 20/40 or better visual acuity despite an abnormal foveal morphology in 91% of total eyes.
Conclusion:
Patients with a history of ROP demonstrate a high frequency of macular morphologic abnormalities, including retention of inner retinal layers and absent foveal depression, on SD OCT. These structural changes do not always correlate to visual acuity. Instead it appears that cone maturation may be a better indicator of visual acuity. In addition, there is a significant correlation between best-corrected visual acuity and myopia.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Anatomy of the Eyeball
01:27Diabetic Retinopathy