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Visual function is reduced in young adults formerly born prematurely: a population-based study

Dýrleif Pétursdóttir1, Gerd Holmström1, Eva Larsson2

  • 1Institution of Neuroscience/Ophthalmology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.

The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Young adults born preterm exhibit reduced visual function, including visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, compared to their full-term peers. These deficits persist into adulthood, suggesting prematurity itself may be a contributing factor.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Preterm birth is a significant global health concern, impacting long-term developmental outcomes.
  • Visual impairments can arise from preterm birth, with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) being a known complication.
  • Long-term visual function in adults born preterm requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate visual function in young adults born preterm.
  • To compare visual function between preterm-born and full-term-born individuals.
  • To identify potential risk factors for reduced visual function in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of young adults born preterm (birth weight ≤1500 g) and a control group born at term were recruited.
  • Visual acuity (distance and near), visual fields, and contrast sensitivity were assessed using standardized methods.
  • Statistical analyses were performed to compare visual function between groups and identify risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Preterm-born adults demonstrated significantly lower distance and near visual acuity, reduced contrast sensitivity, and poorer visual fields compared to full-term controls.
  • These visual deficits were observed even in preterm individuals without a history of ROP or neurological complications.
  • Treated ROP was identified as a risk factor for diminished near visual acuity and visual fields.

Conclusions:

  • Visual function remains impaired in adulthood for individuals born preterm.
  • Prematurity itself, independent of ROP or neurological issues, appears to contribute to reduced visual function.
  • These findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and potential interventions for visual health in preterm survivors.
Abstract

Keywords:
long-term follow-upprematurely bornretinopathy of prematurity (ropvisual function

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