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Refractive errors in preterm babies
M Verma1, J Chhatwal, S Jaison
1Department of Pediatrics and Ophthalmology, Christian Medical College, Ludhiana.
Insights
Preterm infants showed improved vision by age one, with 64% having normal sight. However, low birth weight and shorter gestation increased risks for myopia and other refractive errors, necessitating regular eye exams.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Preterm birth is associated with various health complications.
- Visual development in preterm infants requires careful monitoring.
- Refractive errors can impact long-term visual outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess visual development and refractive error incidence in preterm neonates.
- To identify risk factors associated with visual impairments in this population.
- To establish follow-up guidelines for preterm infants' eye health.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 50 preterm neonates at 6 months and 1 year of age.
- Comprehensive ophthalmological examinations including visual acuity and refractive error assessment.
- Correlation analysis between gestational age, birth weight, asphyxia, and ophthalmological findings.
Main Results:
- At 6 months, no infants had normal vision; by 1 year, 64% achieved normal vision.
- Incidence of myopia was 16% and hypermetropia was 20% at 1 year.
- Lower gestational age and decreased birth weight were linked to higher refractive error incidence, particularly myopia in infants ≤2000g birth weight.
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants' visual function can improve significantly by one year of age.
- Gestational age and birth weight are critical factors influencing refractive error development.
- Routine ophthalmological screening at one year is recommended for all preterm infants, with further follow-up.
Abstract:
Fifty preterm neonates were followed up at the age of 6 months and 1 year. In addition to developmental assessment, a complete ophthalmological examination was done on both visits. The largest (62%) gestational age group was of 34-36 weeks. At 6 months, none of the infants had normal vision. At 1 year of age, 64% of the babies had normal vision while incidence of myopia and hypermetropia was 16% and 20%, respectively. There was an inverse relationship noted between gestation and incidence of refractive errors. It was also noted that with decreasing weight, the incidence of myopia increased. Myopia was seen exclusively among infants of birth weight of 2000 g or less. Birth weight had a significant positive correlation with astigmatism. No correlation of asphyxia with refractive errors was observed. It is recommended that all preterm babies should have an ophthalmological examination at one year of age with follow up later on.