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 wt [human infant] subjects (LBW < 2000 g) and 67 full-term controls, at the ages of 10 and 18 yr. The changes during adolescence included, a slight significant deepening of anterior chamber and lens position (.apprx. 0.1 mm); lens thickness, corneal curvature radius and corneal astigmatism have remained stable. Differences between BW-groups indicate a permanent influence of LBW on ocular development; this may be the result of an 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. 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), a more general restraining influence on anterior eye segment development was indicated.

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