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Anterior segment and intraocular pressure measurements of the unanesthetized premature infant
1Dept. of Ophthalmology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
Insights
This study measured intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) and corneal diameter (C.D.) in premature infants. Accurate measurements require specialized, smaller instruments for premature eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Accurate measurement of intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) and corneal diameter (C.D.) is crucial for premature infants.
- Existing instrumentation may not be suitable for the unique anatomical features of premature eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine normal intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) and corneal diameter (C.D.) values in premature infants.
- To explore correlations between I.O.P., C.D., and other physiological parameters.
- To highlight the need for adapted measurement techniques and instrumentation.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-seven premature infants were examined without anesthesia.
- Measurements included I.O.P. using a Perkin's applanation tonometer and C.D. using calipers and templates.
- Systolic blood pressure, weight, length, and postconceptional age were also recorded.
Main Results:
- Mean I.O.P. was 18.04 mmHg (O.D.) and 18.62 mmHg (O.S.), with a statistically significant difference.
- Mean C.D. was 8.18 mm (O.D.) and 8.15 mm (O.S.).
- Significant correlations were found between I.O.P. and C.D., and between C.D. and weight, length, and postconceptional age.
Conclusions:
- Premature infants exhibit specific I.O.P. and C.D. values.
- Accurate measurements necessitate instrumentation scaled for small palpebral fissures and corneas.
- Attention to specialized equipment is vital for reliable pediatric ophthalmological assessments.
Abstract:
Thirty-seven premature infants were examined without anesthesia to determine intraocular pressure (I.O.P.) and corneal diameter (C.D.) measurements. The anterior segment of the premature infant was examined and the presence of Bell's phenomenon was recorded. Measurements were done with a Perkin's applanation tonometer, calipers and clear corneal diameter templates. The systolic blood pressure, weight, length and postconceptional age were also recorded. Correlations of these factors were done to determine interdependency of these parameters. The mean values for I.O.P. were 18.04 mmHg for O.D. and 18.62 mmHg for O.S. The mean difference was statistically significant. Mean values for corneal diameters were 8.18 mm O.D. and 8.15 mm O.S. Statistically significant correlations occurred between I.O.P. with C.D. and between C.D. with weight, length and postconceptional age. Techniques for accurate measurement in this age group require particular attention to adequately-sized instrumentation to accommodate small palpebral fissures and corneas.