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Effects of Early Intervention on Visual Function in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Camilla Fontana1, Agnese De Carli2, Daniela Ricci3,4
1Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Pediatrics
|June 26, 2020
Summary
Early intervention significantly improved visual function in very preterm infants. This program enhanced visual maturation, including ocular motility and attention, compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Very preterm infants often experience visual development delays.
- Early visual stimulation may positively impact neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of an early intervention program on visual function in very preterm infants.
- To assess visual maturation at term equivalent age.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial comparing Early Intervention (EI) with Standard Care (SC).
- EI included parental training and multisensory stimulation; SC followed NICU protocols.
- Visual function assessed using a prevalidated battery at term equivalent age.
Main Results:
- 59% of infants in the EI group achieved optimal scores across all visual function items versus 17% in the SC group (p=0.001).
- EI infants demonstrated more mature visual function in five key areas, including ocular motility and visual attention.
- Groups were comparable in baseline characteristics.
Conclusions:
- Early intervention positively impacts visual function maturation in very preterm infants.
- Multisensory stimulation and parental training are key components for enhancing visual development.
