Intraocular Pressure Values using IcareⓇ Rebound Tonometer and Correlation with Postconceptional Age in Premature...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Neonatology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Premature infants often require monitoring for eye conditions like retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
• Accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for managing potential ocular complications in neonates.
• Traditional IOP measurement methods can be challenging in premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a normative range for IOP in premature infants using the Icare rebound tonometer.
• To assess IOP variation over time and its correlation with postconceptional age (PCA).
• To evaluate the advantages of the Icare tonometer for IOP measurement in this population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, single-center study included premature infants (gestational age <32 weeks) in the NICU.
• IOP was measured with an Icare tonometer during ROP screening and at a two-week interval.
• Measurements continued until 37 weeks PCA or infant discharge.

Main Results:

• Evaluated 34 eyes from 17 preterm infants (mean GA 29.4 weeks).
• Mean IOP was 16.1 ± 6.4 mmHg (median 15.3 mmHg), with a 10th-90th percentile range of 9.0-22.1 mmHg.
• A significant average IOP reduction of 4.8 ± 6.7 mmHg was observed every two weeks of PCA (P=0.0019).

Conclusions:

• The normative IOP range in premature infants using the Icare tonometer is 9.0-22.1 mmHg.
• IOP significantly decreases with advancing postconceptional age in premature infants.
• The Icare tonometer offers a viable method for IOP assessment in neonates.