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Ophthalmic changes from age of 10 to 18 years. A longitudinal study of sequels to low birth weight. I. Refraction
Insights
Refractive changes during adolescence show an increase in refraction for most individuals. Low birth weight did not significantly impact refractive distribution, except for
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Refractive Error Research
Background:
- Refractive development from childhood to adulthood is crucial for visual health.
- Previous studies suggested potential links between low birth weight and ophthalmic outcomes.
- Understanding adolescent refractive changes is key to identifying myopia progression factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate refractive changes (delta R) between ages 10 and 18.
- To assess the influence of low birth weight on refractive development during adolescence.
- To compare refractive changes in individuals with and without low birth weight history.
Main Methods:
- Follow-up study of 137 individuals from a 1970 low birth weight investigation.
- Analysis of refractive data (delta R) from age 10 to 18 years.
- Comparison of refractive shifts between low birth weight subgroups and general population.
Main Results:
- A general shift towards increased refraction (lower dioptric values) was observed in 127 out of 137 participants.
- Adolescent myopia showed median refractive increases of 1.7 D (ex-prematures) and 2.5 D (full-terms).
- 'Myopia of prematurity' had a median refractive increase of 1.2 D, occupying an intermediate position.
Conclusions:
- Low birth weight did not significantly influence refractive distribution, except for specific subgroups like 'myopia of prematurity'.
- Adolescent refractive changes indicate a general trend towards increased refraction.
- The study highlights specific refractive patterns in premature individuals, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
A report is given on refractive changes (delta R) from age of 10 to 18 years. The 1979 follow-up comprises 137 persons who had earlier (around 1970) participated in a larger investigation into ophthalmic sequels to a low birth weight (n = 539). In general (127 out of 137), there is a shift towards lower dioptric values (increase in refraction). Seven remained static while three showed a slight decrease in refraction (0.25-0.5 D). Adult emme- and hypermetropia show a median delta R about 0.7 D (increase) during adolescence, against median values of 1.7 and 2.5 D in juvenile myopia, of ex-prematures and full-terms respectively. With a median delta R of 1.2 D, 'myopia of prematurity' occupies an intermediate position (21 eyes of 13 subjects). Except for this subgroups, there is no evidence that low birth weight has influenced refractive distribution. With a (planned) skewing towards myopia, the 1979-sample cannot be considered epidemiologically representative, as was the original 1970-material. Concerning the latter, the 18-year incidence of myopia is given as 17.6% for ex-prematures and 13.1% for fullterms (minimum figures, based on school medical records).