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Optical coherence tomography of the preterm eye: from retinopathy of prematurity to brain development
Adam L Rothman1,2, Shwetha Mangalesh1, Xi Chen1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham.
Insights
Retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants is linked to poor neurodevelopment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging reveals eye abnormalities that may indicate brain health issues and predict neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity face higher risks of neurodevelopmental challenges.
- The eye's neurosensory retina is a CNS extension, meaning visual pathway abnormalities can reflect broader neurological health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a key imaging tool for infant eye assessment.
- To explore OCT's role in understanding infant eye development and identifying biomarkers for neurological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT), a noninvasive, high-resolution imaging technique.
- Adapting OCT for bedside use in the infant population.
Main Results:
- OCT provides detailed cross-sectional views of the infant eye.
- The study identified potential OCT-based biomarkers associated with brain abnormalities.
- OCT imaging has enhanced the understanding of normal ocular development in infants.
Conclusions:
- Optical coherence tomography is a valuable tool for assessing preterm infants.
- OCT findings in the eye may serve as indicators of central nervous system health and neurodevelopmental prognosis.
Abstract:
Preterm infants with retinopathy of prematurity are at increased risk of poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Because the neurosensory retina is an extension of the central nervous system, anatomic abnormalities in the anterior visual pathway often relate to system and central nervous system health. We describe optical coherence tomography as a powerful imaging modality that has recently been adapted to the infant population and provides noninvasive, high-resolution, cross-sectional imaging of the infant eye at the bedside. Optical coherence tomography has increased understanding of normal eye development and has identified several potential biomarkers of brain abnormalities and poorer neurodevelopment.
