Sex-Specific Differences in the Relationship Between Prematurity and Ocular Geometry.

Purpose: To explore differences in the relationship between gestational age (GA) and birth weight (BW) percentile and ocular geometry between males and females. Methods: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study involved a prospective ophthalmic examination of adults, aged 18 to 52 years, who were born preterm or at term, in Germany. The associations between GA and BW percentile on the main outcome measures were evaluated by uni- and multivariable linear regression analyses. The main outcome measures were central corneal thickness, corneal radius, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, posterior segment length, and central foveal thickness. Potential sex-specific differences and an effect modification by sex were analyzed. Results: This study involved 438 participants (245 females, 193 males) with an average age of 28.6 ± 8.7 years. In female participants, central foveal thickness was negatively associated with a higher GA (B = -2.99; P < 0.001). Similarly, male participants also demonstrated a negative association between central foveal thickness and GA (B = -4.27; P < 0.001). The multivariable model with effect modification revealed that the central foveal thickness was thicker with lower GA. There was an association between the effect modification of GA with sex and central foveal thickness, demonstrating a more pronounced effect of GA on central foveal thickness in male participants (B = 1.29; P = 0.04). Conclusions: This study identified a sex-specific correlation between lower GA and thicker central foveal thickness, suggesting differences in the developmental trajectory of this biometric parameter concerning GA. A thicker central foveal thickness might affect the visual acuity of individuals born preterm in adulthood, with a more pronounced impact in males and a potential predisposition to age-related diseases later in life. Sex did not influence the association of GA or BW percentile to other ocular geometric parameters.

Foveal avascular zone in adults born preterm with and without retinopathy of prematurity - results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

PURPOSE: To examine potential changes in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) during adulthood due to prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), as assessed by measurements of FAZ area and circularity. METHODS: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a retrospective German cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination of adults aged 18 to 52 years, born either preterm or full-term, utilizing spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography. Participants were categorized into groups based on gestational age and postnatal ROP status. The study employed multivariable linear regression analyses to explore associations with the FAZ. RESULTS: The study cohort comprised 380 right eyes from individuals born both preterm and full-term, with an average age of 28.4 +/- 8.6 years, including 214 females. The FAZ area decreased as gestational age decreased: FAZ was 0.28 ± 0.12 mm2 (control group), 0.21 ± 0.10 mm2 at GA 33-36 weeks, 0.18 ± 0.10 mm2 at GA 29-32 weeks, 0.11 ± 0.10 mm2 at GA ≤28 weeks, 0.11 ± 0.10 mm2 in ROP without treatment, and 0.11 ± 0.10 mm2 in those requiring ROP treatment. In the multivariable analyses, smaller FAZ was independently associated with gestational age (p<0.05), increased foveal retinal thickness (<0.05), and foveal hypoplasia (p<0.05).Moreover, no association was seen between visual acuity and FAZ. CONCLUSION: The main perinatal factor associated with a smaller FAZ in this German cohort is preterm birth, while ROP, ROP treatment, or other perinatal factors do not affect FAZ observed in adulthood. A smaller FAZ shape in preterm individuals might be an indicator of foveal hypoplasia.

Macular Curvature in Adults Born Preterm With and Without ROP: Results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

Purpose: This study investigated the effects of prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as well as the associations of the ocular geometry with macular curvature in adults. Methods: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study is a retrospective cohort study of preterm and full-term participants aged 18 to 52 years with a prospective ophthalmologic examination. The main outcome measure was the macular curvature in the central foveal optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan and its associations with gestational age (GA), birth weight and birth weight percentile, ROP occurrence, ROP treatment, and other perinatal factors were evaluated in univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses. Furthermore, a second model assessed the association of ocular geometry with macular curvature. Results: In the present study, 550 eyes of 284 adults born preterm and 277 eyes of 139 adults born full-term were examined (aged = 28.7 ± 8.7 years, 240 female subjects). In multivariable analyses for perinatal parameters, ROP treatment (B = -52.44, P = 0.023) and maternal smoking during pregnancy (B = 26.41, P = 0.019) showed an association with macular curvature. Regarding ocular geometric parameters, posterior segment length (B = 9.07, P < 0.001) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (B = -0.26, P < 0.001) were associated with macular curvature, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and foveal retinal thickness were not associated. Conclusions: Adults treated for ROP had relatively more negative curvature values compared to the full-term group, indicating a macular protrusion toward the vitreous cave. A thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness was associated with a flatter macular curvature, whereas a longer posterior segment length was associated with a steeper macular curvature indicating the characteristics of the myopic elongation of the eye.

Prevalence of strabismus and risk factors in adults born preterm with and without retinopathy of prematurity: results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of strabismus and nystagmus and to analyse associated factors in preterm and full-term infants in adulthood. METHODS: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmological examination of participants born preterm and full-term (aged 18-52 years). Perinatal data were carefully assessed for risk factors and comprehensive ophthalmological examinations were conducted. The association between strabismus and nystagmus was assessed by analysing 16 different perinatal and actual risk factors in multivariable analysis. Participants were grouped into full-term controls (gestational age (GA) at birth ≥37 weeks), preterm participants without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and GA 33-36 weeks (group 2), GA 29-32 weeks (group 3), GA ≤28 weeks (group 4), non-treated ROP (group 5) and treated ROP (group 6). RESULTS: In total, 892 eyes of 450 preterm and full-term individuals (mean age: 28.6 years, SD: ± 8.6 years, 251 females) were included. Strabismus was observed in 2.1% (3/140), 6.6% (9/137), 17.4% (16/92), 11.1% (2/18), 27.1% (13/48) and 60% (9/15) of participants and nystagmus in 0.7% (1/140), 1.5% (2/137), 4.3% (4/92), 5.6% (1/18), 10.4% (5/48) and 26.7% (4/15) of participants in the respective groups. In the multivariable regression model, strabismus was associated with GA (OR=0.90; p=0.046), anisometropia ≥1.5 diopter (OR=3.87; p=0.003), hypermetropia ≥2 diopter (OR=9.89; p<0.001) and astigmatism ≥1.5 diopter (OR=2.73; p=0.017). Esotropia was more frequent than exotropia and hypermetropia/hypometropia. Most strabismus cases occurred within the first 10 years of life. The strongest predictor associated with nystagmus was perinatal adverse events (OR=15.8; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Low GA and refraction of the eye are independent risk factors for strabismus, which typically occurs in the first 10 years of life. Perinatal adverse events are the most important factors for the presence of nystagmus in adulthood.

Recent Advances in Our Understanding of Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Redox Signaling, and the Complement System.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a prevalent degenerative disorder of the central retina, which holds global significance as the fourth leading cause of blindness. The condition is characterized by a multifaceted pathophysiology that involves aging, oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and complement activation. The complex interplay of these factors contributes to the initiation and progression of AMD. Current treatments primarily address choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in neovascular AMD. However, the approval of novel drug therapies for the atrophic and more gradual variant, known as geographic atrophy (GA), has recently occurred. In light of the substantial impact of AMD on affected individuals' quality of life and the strain it places on healthcare systems, there is a pressing need for innovative medications. This paper aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of advancements in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis of AMD. Special attention will be given to the influence of aging and altered redox status on mitochondrial dynamics, cell death pathways, and the intricate interplay between oxidative stress and the complement system, specifically in the context of GA. Additionally, this review will shed light on newly approved therapies and explore emerging alternative treatment strategies in the field. The objective is to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding AMD, offering insights into the latest developments that may pave the way for more effective management and intervention approaches.

Fetal Growth Restriction Leads to an Enlarged Cup-to-Disc Ratio in Adults Born at Full Term.

PURPOSE: This study explores associations between fetal growth restriction or excessive fetal growth, along with perinatal factors on the optic nerve head morphology in adulthood. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study involved a prospective ophthalmological examination of individuals born at full term (with a gestational age of ≥37 weeks) from 1969 to 2002. Each participant underwent nonmydriatic fundus camera photography to capture images of the optic discs, followed by manual measurements. The vertical cup-to-disc ratio (VCDR) and optic disc area were examined and analyzed in relation to the baby's birth weight relative to the gestational age. These categories included those with former moderate (birth weight percentile between the 3rd and <10th), severe SGA (below the third percentile), normal (AGA, 10th-90th percentile), and moderately (birth weight >90th-97th percentile) and severely (birth weight >97th percentile) large for gestational age (LGA) adults within the age range of 18 to 52 years. RESULTS: Overall, 535 eyes of 280 individuals (age 29.7 ± 9.2 years, 144 females) born at full term were included. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between a larger VCDR and the severe SGA group (B = 0.05, 95% CI 0.01-0.10; P = .02). In the univariable model, placental insufficiency was associated with VCDR (B = 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.19; P = .03). Other perinatal factors did not demonstrate an association with VCDR. Furthermore, there was an indication of an association suggesting a smaller optic disc area in individuals born moderately SGA at full term (B = -0.17, 95% CI -0.33 to -0.001; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that individuals born at-term with severe SGA have an increased VCDR, suggesting that fetal growth restriction has a lasting impact on optic disc morphology independent of prematurity throughout adulthood.

Ocular geometry in adults born small, appropriate or large for gestational age at term.

PURPOSE: Intrauterine growth restriction leading to a birth weight (BW) which is too low for gestational age (GA) is a known risk factor for various altered organ morphologies and dysfunction in later life. This study aimed to determine for the first time the effects of being small (SGA) or large for gestational age (LGA) on the ocular geometry of adults born at term. METHODS: All participants were examined with optical biometry (LenStar 900, Haag Streit) to compare the corneal curvature, white-to-white distance, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length between former moderate (BW percentile 3rd to <10th) and severe (BW <3rd percentile) SGA, controls (BW 10th-90th percentile) and former moderate (BW >90th to 97th percentile) and severe (BW >97th percentile) LGA. Multivariable linear regression was used to analyse associations with GA, BW percentile categories, placental insufficiency, preeclampsia and breastfeeding after adjustment for age and sex. RESULTS: In total, 589 eyes of 296 individuals born at term (aged 30.0 ± 9.4 years, 156 females) were examined, including 40 severe SGA, 38 moderate SGA, 140 with normal BW, 38 moderate LGA and 40 severe LGA. There was an association between a steeper corneal curvature with moderate (B = -0.201; p < 0.001) and severe SGA (B = -0.199; p < 0.001), with extreme SGA associated with smaller white-to-white (B = -0.263; p = 0.001) and a shorter axial length (B = -0.524; p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Severe and moderate prenatal growth restriction in adults born at term leads to an altered ocular geometry, namely a steepening of the cornea and a smaller corneal diameter.

Impact of preterm birth on the onset of panic disorder in later life - Results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Study (GPS).

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to investigate whether prematurity and perinatal stress exert long-term effects on the onset of panic disorder in later life. METHODS: From 40,189 adults born in Germany between 1969 and 2002, a study cohort (n = 427) stratified by gestational age (GA) (extremely preterm: GA < 29 weeks; very preterm: GA 29-32 weeks; moderately preterm: GA 33-36 weeks; and full-term GA ≥ 37 weeks) was selected (age 28.5 ± 8.7 years). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate associations between gestational age at birth and panic disorder adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, and perinatal factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of panic disorder was roughly equal in moderate to very preterm and full-term birth groups at 1.9%-3.8%. However, this rate significantly increased to 14.3% in the extreme preterm category (GA <2 9: 14.3 %, p = 0.002). In multivariable analyses, female gender and GA were independently associated with panic disorder. Adjusting for age, gender and socioeconomic status, panic disorder was associated with lower GA at birth (OR = 1.12 per week (CI95%: 1.01-1.26, p = 0.037). Whereas adjustment for nutrition status or indicators of perinatal stress had no effect, correction for the length of postnatal ICU-stay eliminated the association between preterm birth and later panic disorder. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include the small number of cases and the reliance on questionnaires to assess mental status. CONCLUSIONS: Prematurity likely increases the risk of panic disorder later in life, and the subsequent postnatal ICU-stay appears to be of critical importance. However, due to strong collinearity and other associated factors with preterm births, it remains unclear which is the primary determinant.

ß-Adrenoreceptors as Therapeutic Targets for Ocular Tumors and Other Eye Diseases-Historical Aspects and Nowadays Understanding.

ß-adrenoreceptors (ARs) are members of the superfamily of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), and are activated by catecholamines, such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. Three subtypes of ß-ARs (ß1, ß2, and ß3) have been identified with different distributions among ocular tissues. Importantly, ß-ARs are an established target in the treatment of glaucoma. Moreover, ß-adrenergic signaling has been associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. Hence, ß-ARs are a potential therapeutic target for ocular neoplasms, such as ocular hemangioma and uveal melanoma. This review aims to discuss the expression and function of individual ß-AR subtypes in ocular structures, as well as their role in the treatment of ocular diseases, including ocular tumors.

[Ophthalmic care of adults born preterm and full-term-results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) : Premature birth and ophthalmological care]. / Augenärztliche Versorgung ehemaliger früh- und reifgeborener Personen im Erwachsenenalter ­ Ergebnisse der Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) : Frühgeburtlichkeit und augenärztliche Versorgung.

BACKGROUND: Prematurity and the presence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) increase the risk for the occurrence of amblyogenic risk factors in childhood and adolescence. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate ocular morbidities and the ophthalmological care of former preterm and full-term persons in adulthood. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Gutenberg prematurity eye study (GPES) is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmological examination of individuals formerly born preterm and full term between 1969 and 2002 (now aged 18-52 years). All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and were asked about the frequency of ophthalmological care. Participants were grouped into those with normal gestational age (GA) ≥ 37 weeks (control group), preterm individuals without ROP and GA 33-36 weeks (group 2), GA 29-32 weeks (group 3), GA ≤ 28 weeks (group 4), and those with ROP without treatment (group 5) and with ROP with treatment (group 6). All participants were asked if they had an ophthalmological examination within the last 12 months. RESULTS: In total, data from 140 term and 310 preterm adults were included in the present study. Strabismus was present in 2.1 % (3/140), 6.6 % (9/137), 17.4 % (16/92), 11.1 % (2/18), 27.1 % (13/48) and 60 % (9/15) in groups 1-6, respectively. The proportion of subjects with an ophthalmological examination within the last 12 months was highest in the groups of extremely preterm persons with and without ROP compared with the control group. Overall, 33.3 % (1/3) of the term and 57.1 % (28/49) of the preterm subjects with strabismus and 0 % (0/3) of the term and 46.9 % (15/32) of the preterm individuals with amblyopia had an ophthalmological examination within the past 12 months. DISCUSSION: Extremely preterm adults with and without postnatal ROP showed the highest rate of eye diseases as well as the highest rate of ophthalmological check-ups within the last 12 months. This suggests that extremely preterm adults particularly with the occurrence of postnatal ROP perceive more frequent ophthalmological check-ups throughout their lives.

Ophthalmologic Care of Former Preterm and Full-Term Infants during Their Childhood and Adolescence - A Retrospective View of Their Parents. / Augenärztliche Versorgung früh- und reifgeborener Personen in deren Kindheit und Jugend ­ eine retrospektive Sicht der Eltern.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ophthalmologic care in childhood and adolescence of infants born preterm and full-term from the retrospective point of view of their parents. METHODOLOGY: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination of persons born preterm and full-term between 1969 and 2002 (now aged 18 to 52 years), and asks their parents about the ophthalmologic care received by their children in childhood and adolescence from their retrospective perspective. Participants and their parents were grouped into those with normal gestational age (GA) ≥ 37 (control group), preterm born infants without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and gestational age (GA) 33 - 36 (group 2), GA 29 - 32 (group 3), GA ≤ 28 weeks (group 4), and those with ROP without treatment (group 5) and with ROP with treatment (group 6). Parents of participants were interviewed about the ophthalmic care received by their children. RESULTS: In total, data from 57 full-term and 131 preterm infants and their parents were included in the present study. The parents of the participants reported that ophthalmologic examination had taken place until 6 years of age in the respective groups 1 to 6 in 22/57 (38.6%), 33/58 (56.9%), 22/38 (57.9%), 3/6 (50%), 19/21 (90.5%), and 7/8 (87.5%). Overall, between 83% and 100% of parents in the different groups reported that ophthalmologic care had been adequate. A change of ophthalmologist due to dissatisfaction with treatment was reported by a total of 4/57 (7%), 9/58 (15.5%), 8/38 (21.1%), 1/6 (16.7%), 1/21 (4.8%) and 2/8 (25%) in the respective groups. DISCUSSION: The present study demonstrates adequate satisfaction and good treatment regarding ophthalmologic care of former preterm children from the parents' perspective. Especially parents of children with ROP rated the treatment positively.

Visual acuity, amblyopia, and vision-related quality of life in preterm adults with and without ROP: results from the Gutenberg prematurity eye study.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of prematurity and ROP on visual acuity and VRQoL in adults (18-52 years). METHODS: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination. Preterm and full-term participants at an age from 18 to 52 years were included. Distant corrected visual acuity (DCVA) and VRQoL were assessed in participants (892 eyes of 450 individuals aged 28.6 ± 8.6 years, 251 females) grouped into full-term controls (gestational age [GA] at birth ≥37 weeks), preterm participants without ROP and GA 33-36 weeks (group 2), GA 29-32 weeks (group 3), GA ≤ 28 weeks (group 4), non-treated ROP (group 5) and treated ROP (group 6). Main outcome measures were distant corrected visual acuity (DCVA), VRQoL and prevalence of amblyopia. RESULTS: The DCVA of the better eye correlated (p < 0.001) with GA, birth weight, ROP, ROP treatment, and perinatal adverse events and was poorer in both ROP groups. Visual acuity of <20/200 in the better eye was observed in two participants (4.2%) in the ROP group and one person (6.7%) in the treated ROP group. The prevalence of amblyopia increased in the ROP groups. Compared to full-term controls, visual functioning VRQoL scores were lower in preterm individuals independent of ROP while socioemotional VRQoL scores were only lower in the treated ROP group. CONCLUSION: Participants with postnatal ROP and its treatment showed decreased visual acuity and VRQol in adulthood, with amblyopia occurring more frequently in more preterm participants with ROP.

Corneal Aberrations and Thickness in Adults Born Small, Appropriate, or Large for Gestational Age at Term.

Background/Aims: This study investigated whether there are changes in corneal surface regularity and corneal thickness in adults born small, appropriate, or large for gestational age at term. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved prospective Scheimpflug imaging of the cornea (Pentacam®) to compare the corneal thickness and aberrations between adults classified as small for gestational age (SGA), normal birth weight (BW), and large for gestational age (LGA). Multivariable linear regression was applied to analyze associations with gestational age, BW percentile, placental insufficiency, preeclampsia, and breastfeeding. Results: In total, 448 eyes of 261 individuals born full term (aged 29.9 ± 9.5 years, 140 females) were examined, including 29 severe SGA (BW < 3rd percentile), 32 moderate SGA (BW between 3rd and <10th percentile), 132 normal BW (BW between 10th and 90th percentile), 35 moderate LGA (BW between >90th and 97th percentile), and 33 severe LGA (BW > 97th percentile). There were no differences between groups in the corneal aberrations of the total cornea as well as of the corneal front surface, except for higher-order aberrations in the front of the cornea (p = 0.032). There was an association between the increased total root mean square of higher-order aberrations and lower birth weight percentile (p = 0.004), with increased higher-order aberrations correlating with lower visual acuity and spherical equivalent. Conclusion: Restricted prenatal growth is associated with increased higher-order aberrations in adulthood.

The role of preterm birth, retinopathy of prematurity and perinatal factors on corneal aberrations in adulthood: Results from the Gutenberg prematurity eye study.

INTRODUCTION: Prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are associated with altered corneal shape and reduced visual acuity in childhood, but their long-term effects on corneal shape in later life are still unclear. This study evaluated whether prematurity and related perinatal factors are associated with corneal aberrations in adulthood. METHODS: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a cohort study using Scheimpflug imaging of the cornea. Associations were assessed between corneal Zernike aberrations and gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), BW percentile, ROP occurrence, ROP treatment and other perinatal factors using univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses. RESULTS: This study involved 444 eyes of 256 individuals born preterm (aged 28.1 ± 8.4 years, 146 females) and 231 eyes of 132 individuals born full-term (aged 29.8 ± 8.9 years, 77 females). Multivariable analyses revealed an association between corneal higher-order aberrations and lower birth weight percentile (B = -0.001, p < 0.001) as well as ROP treatment (B = 0.120, p = 0.03). Corneal lower-order aberrations were also associated with lower birth weight percentile (B = -0.004; p = 0.001) and ROP treatment (B = 0.838, p = 0.01) but not with ROP occurrence. Increased corneal aberrations were correlated with lower visual acuity and the spherical equivalent refractive error. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal factors, particularly low birth weight percentile and ROP treatment lead to a more irregular corneal shape in adulthood, thereby reducing optical image quality and potentially contributing to reduced visual acuity and altered refractive error.

RETINAL THICKNESS AND FOVEAL HYPOPLASIA IN ADULTS BORN PRETERM WITH AND WITHOUT RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

PURPOSE: This study analyses whether prematurity, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and associated factors lead to altered foveal shape in adulthood and whether these alterations are associated with visual acuity. METHODS: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study is a German cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination (participants aged 18-52 years) of individuals born preterm and full-term that were examined with spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Participants were grouped according to gestational age (GA) and postnatal ROP status. Multivariable linear regression analyses for foveolar retinal thickness, foveal hypoplasia, and posterior vitreous status were performed. RESULTS: A total of 755 eyes of 414 preterm and full-term individuals were included (aged 28.6 ± 8.6 years, 233 female individuals). Central foveal retinal thickness increased as GA decreased. The prevalence of foveal hypoplasia was 2% (control group), 9% (GA 33-36), 18% (GA 29-32), 48% (GA ≤28), 50% (ROP without treatment), and 82% of eyes (with ROP requiring treatment). In multivariable analyses, central foveal thickness was independently associated with GA and advanced stages of ROP requiring treatment while foveal hypoplasia was only associated with GA. Posterior vitreous was more frequently visible as partially detached in full-term than in preterm individuals. Lower distant-corrected visual acuity correlated with increased foveolar thickness (rho = 0.08; P = 0.03) and with foveal hypoplasia (rho = 0.15, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that there are fetal origins affecting foveal shape, resulting in foveal hypoplasia potentially affecting the visual acuity in adulthood.

Foveal and Peripapillary Choroidal Thickness in Adults Born Extremely, Very, and Moderately Preterm With and Without ROP-Results From the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

Purpose: The present study investigated the long-lasting effect of prematurity, prenatal growth restriction, and associated factors on foveal and peripapillary choroidal thickness in adulthood. Methods: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a retrospective cohort study with a prospective ophthalmologic examination in Germany. Foveal and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses were measured at different sectors using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine associations among gestational age, birth weight percentile, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurrence and treatment, and other perinatal factors, such as maternal smoking and others with foveal and global peripapillary choroidal thickness. Results: A total of 735 eyes of 408 study participants were included (age = 28.4 ± 8.6 years, 229 women). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that foveal choroidal thinning was associated with maternal smoking during pregnancy (B = -38.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -65.5 to -10.7, P = 0.006), whereas other perinatal factors revealed no association. Global peripapillary choroidal thinning showed a trend to a lower birth weight percentile (B = 0.22, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0.45, P = 0.057). No correlation was observed between foveal and peripapillary choroidal thicknesses with visual acuity. Conclusions: This study indicates that maternal cigarette smoking during pregnancy has adverse long-lasting effects on choroidal development in the fovea and low birth weight percentile as a surrogate marker for adverse perinatal growth might be linked with peripapillary choroidal thinning whereas prematurity showed no long-term effects. Translational Relevance: Altered choroidal layer development caused by perinatal influence factors might be a risk factor for reduced visual function and predispose affected individuals to eye diseases in later life.

Dry Eye Parameters and Lid Geometry in Adults Born Extremely, Very, and Moderately Preterm with and without ROP: Results from the Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to analyze the effects of perinatal history on tear film properties and lid geometry in adults born preterm. Methods: The Gutenberg Prematurity Eye Study (GPES) is a German prospective examination of adults born preterm and term aged 18 to 52 years with Keratograph® 5M and Schirmer test I. Main outcome measures were first non-invasive tear film break-up time (F-NITBUT), bulbar redness (BR), Schirmer test, and nasal palpebral angle measurement. The associations with gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and BW percentile, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), ROP treatment, and other perinatal factors were evaluated using regression analyses. Results: 489 eyes of 255 preterm and 277 eyes of 139 full-term individuals (aged 28.6 +/− 8.8 years, 220 females) were included. Of these, 33 participants (56 eyes) had a history of spontaneously regressed ROP and 9 participants (16 eyes) had a history of ROP treatment. After adjustment for age and sex, lower F-NITBUT (<20 s) was associated with ROP treatment (OR = 4.42; p = 0.025). Lower GA correlated with increased bulbar redness (B = −0.02; p = 0.011) and increased length of wetting in the Schirmer test (B = −0.69; p = 0.003). Furthermore, low GA was associated with narrowing of the nasal palpebral angle (B = 0.22; p = 0.011) adjusted for age and sex, but not when considering ROP in the multivariable model. Conclusion: Our analyses indicate that perinatal history affects ocular surface properties, tear production and lid geometry in adults born term and preterm. This might indicate that affected persons have a predisposition to diseases of the corneal surface such as the dry eye disease.