Ophthalmological findings in relation to auxological data in moderate-to-late preterm preschool children

PurposeTo evaluate ophthalmological findings in preschool children born moderate-to- late preterm (MLP) and relate the findings to auxological data at birth and at 5.5years of age. MethodsSeventy-eight MLP children [gestational age (GA) 32-36weeks; 34 girls; mean age 5.7years] were investigated. Gestational age, weight, length and head circumference at birth and at the time of assessment were registered. Visual acuity (VA), refraction, orthoptic evaluation, slit-lamp examination and ophthalmoscopy were conducted, and a history of visuoperceptual problems was recorded. The data were compared with age- and sex-matched controls born full term (n=35). ResultsOphthalmological abnormalities were noted in 82% of MLP children and 47% of controls (p=0.0004). There was a significant difference with regard to impaired motility (p=0.03), heterophoria at distance (p=0.006) and refraction expressed as spherical equivalent dioptre (p=0.01). Amongst auxological data at birth, birthweight (BW) was the strongest predictor to ophthalmological abnormalities (p=0.0003). In a stepwise logistic regression, GA was the strongest predictor of VA outcome at time of assessment (p=0.0036). Moderate-to-late preterm birth showed a 2.4-fold increased risk of refractive errors compared with full-term children (RR 2.39: 95% CI 1.10-5.20; p=0.02). ConclusionBased on our findings, MLP birth may be associated with increased ocular morbidity compared with their full-term counterparts. Auxological data at birth, especially BW, seems to be an important factor when conducting an ophthalmological diagnosis in preschool MLP children, and an increased VA was correlated to a higher GA.