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Evaluation of the Anterior Chamber Angle Structures in Perinatal Infants Using a Wide-Field Digital Fundus Camera
Xian Zhang1, Dan-Lan Luo1, Bo Chen1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
Insights
Digital fundus cameras effectively monitor anterior chamber angle (ACA) development in premature infants. As corrected gestational age increases, ACA grading significantly decreases, showing a clear correlation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Care
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- The anterior chamber angle (ACA) is crucial for ocular health.
- Understanding ACA development in premature infants is vital for early diagnosis and management of potential eye conditions.
- Digital fundus cameras offer a non-invasive method for ocular examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a digital fundus camera in observing the developmental progression of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) in premature infants.
- To establish a correlation between corrected gestational age and ACA grading in this population.
Main Methods:
- Digital fundus camera (RetCam3) used to image the ACA in 48 eyes of preterm infants.
- ACA grading performed using the Scheie Angle Depth Evaluating System based on visualized anterior chamber structures.
- Analysis of ACA development across a corrected gestational age range from 30 to 49 weeks.
Main Results:
- Successful ACA image acquisition in all 48 infants.
- A significant inverse correlation was observed between increasing corrected gestational age and ACA grading (P<0.05).
- Linear regression demonstrated a strong relationship between ACA grading and corrected gestational age (R²=0.724, P=0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Digital fundus cameras can fully evaluate the ACA in full-term newborns.
- In premature infants, incomplete ACA visualization is physiological and should not be mistaken for angle closure or a narrow angle.
- This technology aids in the accurate assessment of ACA development in preterm infants, preventing misdiagnosis.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate the ability of a digital fundus camera to observe the development of the anterior chamber angle (ACA) in premature infants.
Methods:
Forty-eight eyes of preterm infants (n=48) were examined by a digital fundus camera to observe the development of the ACA. ACA grading was performed based on the visualization of the anterior chamber structures according to the Scheie Angle Depth Evaluating System.
Results:
ACA images from all 48 infants were successfully acquired using RetCam3. The corrected gestational age ranged from 30 weeks to 49 weeks, which covered the period from 2 months preterm to >2 months post-term. As the corrected gestational age increased, the corrected gestational age grading was significantly decreased. The mean corrected gestational ages of the infants corresponding to the ACA classification from grade IV to grade 0 were 32.75±1.89, 37.20±1.30, 39.75±2.38, 40.56±2.24, and 44.23±2.14 weeks, respectively, which were all significantly different (P<0.05). The regression analysis showed a linear correlation between the grading of the ACA and the corrected gestational age (R2=0.724, P=0.0001).
Conclusion:
The ACA of a full-term newborn can be fully detected and evaluated by a digital fundus camera. For premature infants, part of the ACA is not visible physiologically; however, it should not be misdiagnosed as angle closure or a narrow angle.
