Prevalence of strabismus in premature infants in an age-related perspective

Abstract

The aim was to investigate the prevalence of strabismus in premature infants; to identify diagnostic indicators for predicting strabismus at the age of 3–8 years. Methods The material was the data of 84 premature infants who underwent ophthalmological examination at the age of 6 months - 3 years and again – at 3–8 years. All children underwent ophthalmic examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infancy. Results An increase in the frequency of strabismus occurrence among preterm infants was observed in 3–8 years compared to the data from 6 months – 3 years – from 13.3% to 20.0% in children without ROP, from 5.9% to 23.5% in children with self-resolving ROP, from 22.7% to 45.5% in children with ROP after laser retinal photocoagulation. The presence of strabismus and structural changes of eye at ages 6 months – 3 years increase the risk of strabismus at ages 3–8 years, OR = 6.5 (95% CI 3.8–11.3), (p < 0.001); OR = 4.2 (95% CI 2.8–6.2), (p = 0.005). The increase in the risk of developing strabismus at ages 3–8 years is associated with the presence of anisometropia, (p = 0.047), amblyopia, (p < 0.05). Children with higher visual acuity at ages 3–8 years have a decreased risk of strabismus, (p < 0.05). Conclusions The frequency of strabismus occurrence among preterm infants has increased by ages 3–8 years. Strabismus, structural changes of eye at ages 6 months – 3 years increases the risk of strabismus at ages 3–8 years. Anisometropia and amblyopia increase in the risk of strabismus, higher visual acuity decreases risk of strabismus.