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OPHTHALMIC CHANGES FROM AGE OF 10 to 18 YEARS
Author(s) -
FLEDELIUS HANS C.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.1981.tb06712.x
Subject(s) - visual acuity , medicine , low birth weight , childhood blindness , optometry , blindness , pediatrics , low vision , significant difference , ophthalmology , gestational age , retinopathy of prematurity , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Re‐examination of corrected visual acuity was done in 137 18‐year‐old Danes, who were originally examined at the age of 10 years, as part of a study of sequels to low birth weight (LBW) (Fledelius 1976). Median values indicate that most adolescents are able visually to discriminate considerably above the customary 6/6 limit. As compared with low‐birth‐weighters (n = 70), full‐terms (n = 67) show a significantly higher cumulated visual acuity score. Similarly, binocular median visual acuities are 1.2 (LBW) and 1.4 (in FT). The difference is neither explained by the ex‐prematures' higher frequency of heterotropia, nor by their (minor) share of eyes with subnormal vision. The latter occurred especially in the subgroup of ‘myopia of prematurity’. The exceptional cases with RLF‐blindness were discarded from follow‐up. Concerning visual acuity, the previously reported lagging behind of ex‐prematures in childhood has proven to be not only a temporary delay, but a permanent (adult) feature.