Hyaloid vascular remnants in human neonates

A consecutive series of 226 infants was examined within 36 to 48 hours of birth using direct and binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy. Hyaloid vessel remnants were observed in over 90% of infants of less than 36 weeks gestation and in over 95% of infants weighing less than 5 lbs at birth. The majority in these groups were complete remnants. The number of complete remnants in preterm and low birth-weight infants was significantly higher than previously reported. The distinctive and orderly changes in the premature eye were suggested as a possible method of gestational assessment.