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[Refractive errors and strabismus in premature infants]
A A Zubcov1, P Kaiser, R Subklev
1Abteilung Kinderaugenheilkunde, Universitäts-Augenklinik, Frankfurt/Main.
Insights
Premature infants weighing less than 1250 g had higher rates of high myopia and strabismus. Routine eye exams at 6 months are recommended for these infants to detect vision problems early.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neonatology
- Pediatrics
Context:
- Premature infants are at increased risk for various health complications.
- Birth weight is a significant factor influencing infant development and health outcomes.
- Refractive errors and strabismus can impact visual development in early childhood.
Purpose:
- To determine the incidence of refractive errors and strabismus in premature infants.
- To compare these incidences based on birth weight categories.
- To identify risk factors associated with visual impairments in this population.
Summary:
- A study of 107 premature infants (<1250g vs >1250g birth weight) evaluated at 6 and 24 months.
- Infants with lower birth weight (<1250g) showed significantly higher rates of high myopia and strabismus at both time points.
- Low birth weight and prolonged artificial ventilation correlated with high myopia development.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for targeted ophthalmic screening in low birth weight premature infants.
- Supports early detection and intervention for refractive errors and strabismus.
- Informs clinical guidelines for the follow-up care of premature neonates.
Aim:
We aimed to investigate the incidence of refractive errors and strabismus in premature infants relative to their individual birth weight.
Methods:
We investigated 107 premature infants with birth weight < 1250 g (group A, n = 54) and > 1250 g (group B, n = 53). All children were evaluated at the ages of 6 and 24 months for their spherical equivalent and the presence of high myopia (< or = 6.0 D) and strabismus.
Results:
At 6 months the spherical equivalent was -0.93 +/- 4.2 D in group A and 1.09 +/- 1.9 D in group B, at 24 months -0.75 +/- 5.0 D vs 1.44 +/- 1.9 D (P < 0.01). At 6 months the incidence of high myopia was 10% in group A and 0% in group B, at 2 years 12% vs 2% (P < 0.01). Low birth weight and a long period of artificial ventilation correlated with the development of high myopia. At 6 months 21% of group A and 8.5% of group B showed strabismus, at 2 years 25% vs. 8.5% (P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Because of the increased incidence of high myopia and strabismus we recommend routine retinoscopy and orthoptic evaluation at the age of 6 months in every child weighing less than 1250 g at birth.