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[Refraction in the 1st year of life and the development of astigmatism]
Insights
Astigmatism is common in infants, affecting 22% within the first year. Esotropic children are more prone to astigmatic anisometropia, suggesting a link to visual deprivation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Developmental Vision Science
Context:
- Infant eye exams are crucial for early detection of refractive errors.
- Atropine cycloplegia is a standard method for accurate retinoscopy in young children.
- Understanding refractive development in the first year of life is key to visual health.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence and characteristics of astigmatism in infants.
- To investigate the progression of astigmatism in early childhood.
- To explore the relationship between esotropia and astigmatic anisometropia.
Summary:
- Retinoscopy in 205 infants revealed astigmatism (≥1.0 D) in 22%, peaking between 31-40 weeks.
- Follow-up in 45 children showed a slight increase in astigmatism incidence and degree.
- Esotropic children developed astigmatic anisometropia (≥1.0 D difference) more frequently than non-esotropic children.
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of infant astigmatism and its potential progression.
- Suggests visual deprivation as a possible cause of astigmatic anisometropia in esotropic infants.
- Informs early screening protocols and interventions for pediatric visual development.
Abstract:
Retinoscopy was performed in 205 children under atropine cycloplegia during the first year of life. In 22% an astigmatism (minimum 1.0 D) was found with a small peak of incidence between the 31st and 40th week. In a follow-up study (45 children) the incidence and degree of astigmatism were found to increase slightly. During the first 3 years of life esotropic children developed an astigmatic anisometropia (minimum 1.0 D difference in the astigmatism of the two eyes) more frequently the non-esotropic children. The hypothesis that astigmatic anisometropia is produced by visual deprivation in esotropic individuals is discussed.