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[Tear production in premature infants, newborn infants and infants]
1Augenklinik mit Poliklinik, Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg.
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|January 1, 1993
Insights
The Schirmer-1 test revealed that babies aged 34-47 weeks produce an average of 5 mm of tears in 5 minutes. Tear production in infants is not affected by age, birth weight, maturity, or sex.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatal Studies
Background:
- Assessing ocular surface health in neonates is crucial.
- Basal tear production measurement provides insight into lacrimal gland function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the normal range of basal tear production in infants.
- To evaluate factors influencing tear production in this age group.
Main Methods:
- The Schirmer-1 test was performed on 50 infants aged 34 to 47 weeks and two days.
- Local anesthetic drops were instilled prior to the test.
Main Results:
- The average basal tear production was 5 mm +/- 3 mm over 5 minutes.
- Results showed no significant differences based on infant age, birth weight, maturity, or sex.
- No significant difference was observed between the right and left eyes.
Conclusions:
- Establishes a normative value for basal tear production in infants.
- Suggests tear production is a robust measure, unaffected by common neonatal variables.
- Provides a baseline for identifying potential lacrimal dysfunction in infants.
Abstract:
These investigations concerned 50 babies at the age of 34 to 47 weeks and two days. After local instillation of anesthetic drops, Schirmer-1-test was done. The average basal tear production was 5 mm +/- 3 mm in 5 minutes. This result was independent of absolute age of the babies, of birth weight, of the degree of maturity and of sex; there was no significant difference between right or left side.