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Effects of very low birth weight (VLBW) on visual development during the first year after term
J van Hof-Van Duin1, A Evenhuis-van Leunen, G Mohn
1Department of Physiology I, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Many very low birth weight (VLBW) infants experience visual impairments, often affecting multiple functions. While some deficits resolve by 6 months, others emerge later, indicating a risk for delayed or impaired visual development in VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
Background:
- Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants represent a vulnerable population with potential for developmental challenges.
- Visual development is a critical aspect of early childhood development, with potential for significant impact on long-term outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess behavioural visual functions in VLBW infants during the first 12 months post-term.
- To identify the prevalence and patterns of visual impairments in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 155 VLBW infants.
- Evaluations at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months corrected age.
- Assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, optokinetic nystagmus, and visual threat response.
Main Results:
- Over half (54.2%) of VLBW infants exhibited visual impairments.
- Deficits were frequently observed across multiple visual functions, not isolated to one area.
- Impairments were detected as early as 6 weeks corrected age, with the highest incidence at 6 months.
Conclusions:
- VLBW infants are at significant risk for impaired visual development.
- Findings suggest a pattern of delayed visual maturation in many infants, with some deficits appearing later.
- Early and ongoing visual assessment is crucial for VLBW infants.
Abstract:
Behavioural visual functions were assessed in 155 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during the first 12 months after expected term. Visual development was examined (mainly cross-sectionally) at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of corrected age by assessment of visual acuity, visual fields, optokinetic nystagmus and visual threat response. Many VLBW infants showed visual impairments (54.2%). No single visual function appeared to be specifically susceptible to impairments, deficits were often apparent across a range of functions. Visual impairments were observed at all test ages, and could already be assessed at 6 weeks of corrected age. The highest incidence of visual impairments was scored at 6 months corrected age. Beyond 6 months, less deficits were observed, suggesting in many infants a delayed rather than a permanently impaired visual development. In some infants deficits became evident at a later stage, after an apparently normal initial development. The results suggest that VLBW infants are at risk for impaired visual development.