Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
Measurement of Carotenoids in Perifovea using the Macular Pigment Reflectometer
Published on: January 29, 2020
Macular sensitivity assessment and fixation analysis using microperimetry in children with retinopathy of prematurity
Zuhal Ozen Tunay1,2, Aysun Idil3
1Ophthalmology, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey zuhaltunay@gmail.com.
Insights
Preterm children may show retinal sensitivity and fixation stability issues, particularly those under 11. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or its laser treatment did not significantly impact these visual functions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Visual Neuroscience
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant concern in preterm infants.
- Understanding long-term visual outcomes in ROP survivors is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate retinal sensitivity and fixation stability in children with a history of ROP.
- To compare these visual functions across different ROP severities and treatments.
Main Methods:
- An observational case series included 51 preterm children divided into three groups: no ROP, resolved ROP, and laser-treated ROP.
- Macular light sensitivity and fixation stability were assessed using Macular Analyzer Integrity Assessment Microperimetry.
- Data were analyzed based on ROP status, age, gender, birth weight, and gestational age.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in macular sensitivity or fixation stability were found between ROP groups.
- However, 29% of all children exhibited abnormal macular sensitivity, and 27% had unstable fixation.
- Children aged 11 years and older demonstrated better macular sensitivity compared to younger children.
Conclusions:
- Preterm children, including those with ROP, may experience subtle abnormalities in macular sensitivity and fixation.
- These visual function deficits appear more pronounced in younger children (<11 years).
- Neither ROP itself nor laser treatment for ROP showed a significant negative impact on these specific visual parameters.
Background/Aims:
To investigate retinal sensitivity and fixation stability using microperimetry in children with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods:
Observational case series. Totally 51 preterm children who had been followed for ROP were examined in three groups (n=17 in each group). The groups were defined as children without ROP (group 1), children with spontaneously resolved ROP (group 2) and children who had laser treatment for ROP (group 3). All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmic examination. Macular Analyzer Integrity Assessment Microperimetry was used to analyse macular light sensitivity and fixation stability. The results were compared between groups. The measurements were also analysed according to age, gender, birth weight and gestational age.
Results:
The mean age was 10.84±0.97 years, and 27 children were female. Mean average threshold (AT) for macular sensitivity was 25.5±2.1 decibel in group 1, 26.8±3.8 decibel in group 2 and 26.3±3.0 decibel in group 3. These differences were not statistically significant between the groups (p=0.067), but AT was abnormal in 29% of the whole study population. Outputs about fixation stability were similar between the three groups but fixation was unstable in 27% of the subjects. Mean AT was better in children ≥11 years old compared with the younger ones (p=0.022).
Conclusion:
Preterm children may have some abnormalities in macular light sensitivity and fixation stability. These abnormalities may be more prominent in children less than 11 years old. ROP itself or the laser treatment seems not to affect macular light sensitivity and fixation stability.
