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Development of tearing in preterm and term neonates
S J Isenberg1, L Apt, J McCarty
1Jules Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Harbor-University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance 90509, USA. isenberg@ucla.edu
Archives of Ophthalmology (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|June 25, 1998
Summary
Preterm infants show lower basal and reflex tear secretion compared to term newborns. Tear production increases with infant weight, reaching adult levels by term birth.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Ophthalmology
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Tear secretion capacity exists in both preterm and term infants.
- Previous studies have not prospectively assessed basal and reflex tear secretion together.
- Understanding tear production patterns has clinical significance for newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify basal and reflex tear secretion in preterm (30-37 weeks) and term (38-42 weeks) newborns.
- To investigate the developmental trajectory of tear production in infants.
- To compare tear secretion between preterm and term neonates.
Main Methods:
- Schirmer tear test strips were applied to the inferior fornix for 5 minutes.
- Measurements were taken before (reflex + basal) and after (basal) topical anesthetic application.
- Seventy infants (36 preterm, 34 term) were included in the study.
Main Results:
- Mean basal tear secretion was 6.2 mm in preterm and 9.2 mm in term infants.
- Mean reflex tear secretion was 7.4 mm in preterm and 13.2 mm in term infants.
- Both basal and reflex tear secretion increased significantly with infant weight (P<.001).
Conclusions:
- Preterm infants exhibit diminished basal and reflex tear secretion.
- Reduced tear secretion in preterm infants may complicate diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction and lead to dry corneas.
- Tear production in term newborns approximates adult levels.
