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Ocular findings in prematurely born children at the age of 12
S Buysse1, I Casteels, M Dieltiens
1Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Leuven, Belgium.
Insights
Prematurely born children face higher risks of eye problems, including myopia, astigmatism, and strabismus, even without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This highlights the need for ongoing ophthalmological monitoring in these children.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Premature birth is a significant risk factor for various health complications.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a known complication affecting premature infants' eyes.
- Long-term ocular health outcomes in preterm children require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term ophthalmological outcomes in prematurely born children at age 12.
- To compare the prevalence of ocular conditions in preterm children with and without a history of ROP against term-born controls.
- To determine if preterm birth, with or without ROP, increases the risk of developing ocular problems.
Main Methods:
- Ophthalmological assessment of 79 preterm children and 100 term-born children at age 12.
- Review of neonatal eye examination results for a subset of preterm children (n=26).
- Categorization of preterm eyes into non-ROP and ROP (Stage 1 or 2) groups.
Main Results:
- 75% of preterm children with ROP experienced ophthalmological issues.
- Significantly higher rates of myopia (29%), hypermetropia (21%), astigmatism (37%), and strabismus (33%) were observed in preterm children with ROP compared to controls.
- Preterm children, irrespective of ROP history, showed increased prevalence of astigmatism (11%) and strabismus (13%).
Conclusions:
- Preterm children are more susceptible to developing ocular problems throughout childhood.
- History of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is associated with a higher burden of ophthalmological conditions.
- Comprehensive and continued ophthalmological surveillance is crucial for all prematurely born children.
Abstract:
A group of 79 prematurely born children was assessed ophthalmologically at the age of 12 and compared with a group of 100 12 years old children born at term. Of the 79 children, results of neonatal eye examinations were available in 26 prematures (52 eyes). In 28 eyes no signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were detected (non-ROP group). In 24 eyes a stage 1 or 2 retinopathy of prematurity was present (ROB group). 75% of the children with ROP had an ophthalmological problem. Myopia (29%), hypermetropia (21%), astigmatism (37%) and strabismus (33%) were significantly higher. Considering the whole group of prematurely born children, there was more astigmatism (11%) and strabismus (13%). Preterm children, with or without ROP, are more prone to develop ocular problems.