OPHTHALMIC CHANGES FROM AGE OF 10 TO 18 YEARS

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Abstract
Anterior eye segment features were investigated longitudinally by ultrasound and keratometry in 70 low‐birth‐weight subjects (LBW < 2000 g) and 67 full‐term controls, at the ages of 10 and 18 years. Concerning the changes during adolescence, a slight significant deepening of anterior chamber and lens position is found (about 0.1 mm), while lens thickness, corneal curvature radius and corneal astigmatism have remained stable. Differences between BW‐groups indicate a permanent influence of LBW on ocular development, as evident from a presumed early environmental (LBW) arrest of corneal growth, given by a significantly lower value of corneal curvature radius, just as zonular slackness due to a smaller suspension ring may explain a thicker lens. Further a LBW disturbance of correlation between refraction and anterior eye segment parameters is suggested. Besides the documented occasional posterior eye segment damage of LBW (retinopathy of prematurity), the present study indicates a more general restraining influence also on anterior eye segment development.

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