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Central corneal thickness and intraocular pressure in premature infants
Mehmet Ali Sekeroglu1, Emre Hekimoglu2, İkbal Seza Petricli2
1Ophthalmology Department, Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital, 06230, Ankara, Turkey. msekeroglu@yahoo.com.
Insights
Central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) are higher in premature infants with lower gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight. These measurements decrease as infants mature, showing a positive correlation between CCT and IOP.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Premature infants require careful monitoring for ocular health.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) are key indicators of ocular development and health.
- Understanding the relationship between CCT, IOP, and infant characteristics is crucial for early detection of potential issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in premature infants.
- To document the correlation of CCT and IOP with gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight.
- To observe changes in CCT and IOP over a four-week period.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 170 premature infants was studied.
- Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using a hand-held applanation tonometer.
- Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using a portable pachymeter.
- Measurements were taken at the initial retinopathy of prematurity screening and again four weeks later.
Main Results:
- CCT and IOP showed a positive correlation at both first (r = 0.616) and second (r = 0.564) visits.
- Mean CCT decreased from 568.1 ± 22.1 µm to 561.6 ± 21.4 µm over four weeks (p < 0.001).
- Mean IOP decreased from 14.1 ± 1.9 mmHg to 13.7 ± 1.7 mmHg over four weeks (p < 0.001).
- Both CCT and IOP were negatively correlated with gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight at both visits (p < 0.001).
- Premature infants with smaller gestational ages exhibited higher CCT and IOP values.
Conclusions:
- Higher CCT and IOP are associated with smaller gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight in premature infants.
- CCT and IOP measurements tend to decrease as premature infants mature.
- The positive correlation between CCT and IOP, and their negative correlation with infant maturity parameters, are significant findings for neonatal eye care.
Abstract:
To evaluate the central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) of premature infants and to document correlation of them with gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight of infants. Using a hand-held applanation tonometer and a portable pachymeter, IOP and CCT of 170 premature infants were measured just before initial retinopathy of prematurity screening examination and re-measured 4 weeks after the first visit. The CCT and IOP were positively correlated during the first (r = 0.616, p < 0.001) and second (r = 0.564, p < 0.001) visits. The mean CCT at first and second visits were 568.1 ± 22.1 (527-628) and 561.6 ± 21.4 (520-619) µm, consecutively (p < 0.001). Gestational age, chronological age and birth weight of infants were found to be negatively correlated with CCT at first (r = -0.751, p < 0.001; r = -0.745, p < 0.001; r = -0.581, p < 0.001, consecutively) and second (r = -0.729, p < 0.001; r = -0.729, p < 0.001; r = -0.555, p < 0.001, consecutively) visits. The mean IOP at first and second visits were 14.1 ± 1.9 (11-19) and 13.7 ± 1.7 (11-18) mmHg, consecutively (p < 0.001). Gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight of infants were found to be negatively correlated with IOP at first (r = -0.724, p < 0.001; r = -0.715, p < 0.001; r = -0.558, p < 0.001, consecutively) and second (r = -0.704, p < 0.001; r = -0.703, p < 0.001; r = -0.518, p < 0.001, consecutively) visits. CCT and IOP of the premature infants with a smaller gestational age were found to be higher (p < 0.001 for both). Premature infants with smaller gestational age have higher CCT and IOP values when compared to older infants. These values tend to become lower 4 weeks after the first examination as infants become older. The CCT and IOP were positively correlated with each other and both were negatively correlated with gestational age, chronological age, and birth weight during first and second visits.
