Fifty preterm neonates were followed up at the age of 6 months and 1 year. In addition to developmental assessment, a complete ophthalmological examination was done on both visits. The largest (62%) gestational age group was of 34-36 weeks. At 6 months, none of the infants had normal vision. At 1 year of age, 64% of the babies had normal vision while incidence of myopia and hypermetropia was 16% and 20%, respectively. There was an inverse relationship noted between gestation and incidence of refractive errors. It was also noted that with decreasing weight, the incidence of myopia increased. Myopia was seen exclusively among infants of birth weight of 2000 g or less. Birth weight had a significant positive correlation with astigmatism. No correlation of asphyxia with refractive errors was observed. It is recommended that all preterm babies should have an ophthalmological examination at one year of age with follow up later on.

PIP: An ophthalmologist conducted a complete ocular examination of 50 premature infants at 6 months and 1 year to assess their refraction status. 52% of the infants weighed 1501-2000 g at birth. 62% were born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation. At 6 months, none of the 50 infants had normal vision. 66.6% of the infants born at 31-33 weeks gestation and 70% of those born at 34-36 weeks gestation were farsighted. The only infant born at 28 weeks gestation was nearsighted. 26% of all infants had different refractive power in the two eyes. The incidence of nearsightedness increased as gestational age decreased. At 12 weeks, 64% of all infants, all of whom were born at 31-33 and 34-36 weeks gestation, had normal vision. The 28-week infant still suffered from different refractive power in the two eyes. Nearsightedness incidence at 1 year was less than it was at 6 months (16% vs. 32%; p 0.05), while the incidence of farsightedness decreased (34 vs. 10 infants; p 0.05). Nearsightedness was inversely related to gestational age and birth weight (p 0.05). Nearsightedness and different refractive power in the two eyes existed only in infants weighing no more than 2000 g at birth. Different refractive power in the two eyes was also inversely related to gestational age. Astigmatism at 6 and 12 months was associated with low birth weight (p 0.05). There was no correlation between refractive errors and asphyxia. These findings show that refractive errors are common in premature infants. An ophthalmological examination at 1 year and later can prevent substantial visual handicap.