The impact of modest prematurity on visual function at age 6 years: findings from a population-based study.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To determine the effects of modest low birth weight and prematurity on visual function of children predominantly aged 6 years.

METHODS:
Children with a birth weight of 1500 to 2499 g were considered exposed to a modest low birth weight (n = 82) and were compared with children with a birth weight of 2500 g or more (n = 1386). Exposure to modest prematurity, 32 to 36 weeks' gestation (n = 115), was similarly analyzed and compared with birth at term, 37 or more weeks' gestation (n = 1446). Logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was measured in both eyes. Cycloplegic autorefraction (cyclopentolate), cover testing, and dilated fundus examinations were performed.

RESULTS:
A modest low birth weight increased the risk of amblyopia (relative risk [RR], 5.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-12.0), strabismus (RR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.5-9.1), and anisometropia (RR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.2-11.1), together with an increased risk of uncorrected visual acuity in the lowest quartile (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.2). Modest prematurity increased the risk of amblyopia (RR, 4.5; 95% CI, 1.9-10.6), strabismus (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1-6.0), and uncorrected visual acuity in the lowest quartile (RR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-2.0).

CONCLUSION:
Modest degrees of low birth weight and prematurity may be associated with increased ophthalmic morbidity at age 6 years.

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Author information

Author/s: Robaei, Dana (D); Kifley, Annette (A); Gole, Glen A (GA); Mitchell, Paul (P);

Affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Archives of ophthalmology (Arch Ophthalmol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jun; vol 124 (issue 6) : pp 871-7

Dates: Created 2006/06/13; Completed 2006/06/22;

PMID: 16769841, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Amblyopia - etiology
Anisometropia - etiology
Child
Female
Gestational Age
Humans
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Infant, Newborn

Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Male
Refraction, Ocular
Risk Factors
Strabismus - etiology
Vision Disorders - etiology; physiopathology
Visual Acuity - physiology

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