Ocular growth in premature infants conceived by in vitro fertilization versus natural conception

PURPOSE. To evaluate the possible effect of in vitro fertilization (IVF) on early development of the eye in premature infants. METHODS. Biometric and keratometric values, intraocular pressure, and retinal vascular status were assessed in a cohort of 133 premature infants. These values were compared between premature infants conceived by IVF or naturally, and the relationship between these parameters and postconceptional age and weight at examination were evaluated. RESULTS. The sample consisted of 133 premature infants, 62 (46.6%) born by IVF and 71 (53.4%) by natural conception. Postconceptional age at examination was 28 to 46 weeks. In both groups, axial length, anterior chamber depth, and corneal radius correlated with the postconceptional age and weight at examination and followed a linear growth pattern. Lens thickness changed very slightly. The rate of retinal vascularization correlated with the postconceptional age as well. No correlation was found between intraocular pressure and corrected age or weight at examination. There was no difference between the study and control groups in any of the biometric or keratometric parameters or in intraocular pressure, according to two-way analysis of variance. CONCLUSIONS. IVF apparently does not affect early ocular growth, intraocular pressure, changes in corneal curvature, or retinal vascularization in premature infants. These findings may aid ophthalmologists in assessing ocular dimensions in this patient population.