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Myopia in children born premature or with low birth weight
1Department of Community, Occupational and Family Medicine, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Insights
This study found no link between myopia or astigmatism and being born premature or with low birth weight in children without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). These common childhood vision conditions were not associated with early birth factors in this cohort.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Public Health
Background:
- Prematurity and low birth weight are risk factors for various infant health issues.
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a known complication in premature infants.
- The relationship between prematurity/low birth weight and refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism in children without ROP requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between myopia and astigmatism.
- To assess these refractive errors in children born prematurely or with low birth weight.
- To specifically exclude children with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 527 children aged 2-7 years in Singapore.
- Data collected on birth weight and gestational age.
- Refractive errors (myopia, astigmatism) measured using distance photoretinoscopy.
- Statistical analysis included univariate and logistic regression models.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in the prevalence of myopia was observed between children born premature/low birth weight and controls.
- No significant difference in the prevalence of astigmatism was found between these groups.
- The study found no association between prematurity or low birth weight and the development of myopia or astigmatism in the absence of ROP.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that prematurity or low birth weight are not associated with myopia or astigmatism in children without retinopathy of prematurity.
- These findings suggest that other factors may play a more significant role in the development of these refractive errors in this specific population.
- Further research is warranted to explore other potential contributing factors to myopia and astigmatism in children born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Purpose:
To evaluate the association of myopia or astigmatism in children without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) born premature or with low birth weight.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in Singapore where 527 children from three kindergartens aged 2 to 7 years without a history of ROP were recruited. Information on birth weight and gestational age at birth was obtained from a personal booklet and the refractive error in spherical equivalents was measured using distance photoretinoscopy. The data was analysed with univariate analysis and logistic regression models.
Results:
There was no difference in the prevalence of myopia in children born premature or with low birth weight. There was also no difference in astigmatism in children born premature or with low birth weight.
Conclusion:
This study shows no relationship between astigmatism or myopia with prematurity or low birth weight in children born without retinopathy of prematurity.