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Effects of nursery illumination on frequency of eyelid opening and state in preterm neonates
M J Moseley1, J R Thompson, M I Levene
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Leicester Medical School, U.K.
Insights
Premature neonates showed minimal changes in eyelid opening and awake states with varying light levels. However, sudden light removal briefly increased eyelid opening in these vulnerable infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Ophthalmology
- Perinatal care
Background:
- Premature neonates have unique visual system vulnerabilities.
- Understanding environmental impacts on neonatal behavior is crucial for development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ambient illumination on premature neonates' eyelid behavior and state.
- To assess the impact of light changes on visual development and phototoxicity risk.
Main Methods:
- Observational study of premature neonates under three distinct light conditions (DARK, LIGHT, BRIGHT).
- Quantification of time spent with eyelids open and awake states.
- Analysis of eyelid closure duration, particularly comparing lower and upper eyes.
Main Results:
- Increasing illumination showed a trend towards reduced eyelid opening and awake time, but effects were not statistically significant.
- Sudden light offset induced a transient (approx. 60s) increase in eyelid opening (P < 0.001).
- Prolonged eyelid closure was observed, significantly greater in the lower eye (96.2%) versus the upper eye (88.25%).
Conclusions:
- Ambient light levels have a limited, often non-significant, impact on premature neonates' eyelid and awake states.
- Light offset is a potent, short-term stimulus for eyelid opening.
- Asymmetrical eyelid closure suggests potential influences of physical contact and warrants further investigation regarding visual development and phototoxicity.
Abstract:
The behaviour of a group of premature neonates was observed under three conditions of ambient illumination defined as either DARK, LIGHT or BRIGHT (mean intensities: 0.9, 109 and 1370 lux). Trends in the data suggested that increasing the level of illumination resulted in a reduction in the proportion of time spent with eyelids open and of the amount of time spent in awake states. However, these effects were small and in most cases failed to attain statistical significance. Sudden offset of light did however produce a transitory increase in eyelid opening for a period of approximately 60 s that appeared to be unaccompanied by any change of state (P less than 0.001). Irrespective of illumination condition, the infants' behaviour was characterized by prolonged periods of eyelid closure which were significantly greater for the lower eye (in mattress contact, mean lid closure = 96.2%) compared to the upper eye (no mattress contact, mean lid closure = 88.25%). The prolonged occurrences of eyelid closure are discussed in relation to visual development and phototoxicity.