Effects of diode laser photocoagulation treatment on ocular biometric parameters in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

AIM: To investigate the effects of diode laser treatment on ocular biometric parameters in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Premature infants who received diode laser treatment for ROP (n=68) and premature infants with spontaneous regressed ROP without treatment (n=50) were performed longitudinal ocular biometric measurements including anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length as follows: 1d prior to laser treatment, and 3, 6, 9, and 12mo after the laser treatment. RESULTS: The mean birth weight, gestational age and initial examination time values were 936.53±302.07 g, 26.66±2.42wk, 36.26±2.73wk in the treatment group and 959.78±260.08 g, 27.28±2.10wk, 36.56±2.54wk in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in these demographic characteristics of the groups. Anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length demonstrated statistically significant linear increases during the study period in the two groups (P<0.001 for each). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of anterior chamber depth after laser treatment. Measurements of the lens thickness at 9th and 12th months (9th month 3.70±0.22 vs 3.60±0.21 mm, P=0.017; 12th month 3.81±0.21 vs 3.69±0.22 mm, P=0.002) and the axial length at 12th month (19.35±0.79 vs 19.13±0.54 mm, P=0.031) after laser treatment were statistically higher in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Diode laser retinal photocoagulation treatment in premature infants seems to increase the lens thickness and axial length.

Retinal choroidal and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in former preterm and full-term infants aged 4 to 8 years.

PURPOSE: To compare the retinal thickness at the fovea center, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and choroidal thickness (CT) in former preterm and full-term infants. METHODS: A total of 121 healthy children aged 4-8 years were divided 4 groups: group 1; children born on time, group 2; preterm children without a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), group 3; preterm children with a history of spontaneously regressed ROP and group 4; preterm children who underwent diode laser photocoagulation for ROP. The retinal thickness at the fovea, peripapillary RNFL thickness at global, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants and submacular CT at 7 different points were measured by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The mean retinal thickness at the fovea center was statistically higher, whereas the mean RNFL thickness values in global, nasal, superior and inferior quadrants were statistically lower in group 4. No difference was found in the mean submacular CT value of any point between the groups. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation treatment for ROP seems to cause an increase in macular thickness and a decrease in RNFL thickness.

The Effect of Laser Photocoagulation on Intraocular Pressure in Premature Infants With Retinopathy of Prematurity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of diode laser treatment on intraocular pressure (IOP) of premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The premature infants who underwent retinal laser photocoagulation therapy for ROP, and gestational age-matched, birth weight-matched, and sex-matched premature infants with ROP which recovered spontaneously without any treatment were enrolled into the study. Anterior segment examination and longitudinal IOP and central corneal thickness measurements were performed 5 times as follows: 1 day before the laser treatment (T0), and 24 hours (T1), 1 week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 3 months (T4) after the laser treatment. Premature infants who experienced any complication related to the laser treatment were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Laser treated 67 premature infants and 70 premature infants in control group met inclusion criteria. Significant linear decreases in IOP and central corneal thickness values were measured throughout the study period for both groups (both, P<0.001). These changes were similar in 2 groups. There was a statistically insignificantly (P=0.999) and transient increase in the mean IOP value in the laser-treated group 24 hours after laser treatment. None of the patients in the laser-treated group experienced a shallow anterior chamber or a remarkable IOP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser treatment for ROP was safe, and did not raise the IOP of premature infants.

Maternal Diabetes as an Independent Risk Factor for Retinopathy of Prematurity in Infants With Birth Weight of 1500 g or More.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between maternal diabetes and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or more. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Data of 78 premature infants from diabetic mothers were compared with data of 258 controls. We examined the relationship between maternal diabetes and the development of ROP and type 1 ROP, adjusting for multiple risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of outcome variables. Prior to multivariable logistic regression analysis, the association of each independent variable with the outcome variables, a univariate estimate was performed. The crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) values and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were given. Main outcome measures were the development of ROP and the development of type 1 ROP. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 336 preterm infants; 78 were from diabetic mothers and 258 were from nondiabetic mothers. The rate of ROP (78.2% in case group and 14.7% in control group) and the rate of type 1 ROP (20.5% in case group and 4.7% for controls) were found significantly higher in the case group (P = .001 for both). Maternal diabetes was shown to be an independent risk factor for both ROP and type 1 ROP (OR with 95% CI: 25.040 [12.728-49.264]; 6.311 [2.647-15.048], respectively, and P < .001 for both). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the presence of maternal diabetes is significantly associated with the development of ROP and type 1 ROP in premature infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or more.

Determination of normal values of intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in healthy premature infants-a prospective longitudinal study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the longitudinal change of intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy premature infants. METHODS: Premature infants born at 28 weeks' gestational age were included in this prospective, single-center longitudinal study. IOP was measured by handheld applanation tonometer (Tono-Pen Avia); CCT measurements were performed by ultrasonic pachymeter. Examinations were held at 32 weeks' gestational age initially and at 2-week intervals thereafter for a total of 5 consecutive measurements by the same ophthalmologist. RESULTS: A total of 110 right eyes of 110 healthy premature infants were analyzed. The mean IOP at 32 weeks' gestational age was 18.28 ± 2.78 mm Hg; mean CCT, 670.56 ± 55.72 µm. Mean IOP and CCT thereafter were 16.13 ± 2.20 mm Hg and 613.67 ± 48.11 µm in week 34, 14.67 ± 2.04 mm Hg and 579.24 ± 43.73 µm in week 36, 13.49 ± 2.08 mm Hg and 551.91 ± 40.75 µm in week 38, and 13.21 ± 1.94 mm Hg and 546.18 ± 38.70 µm in week 40. The longitudinal changes of mean IOP and CCT values between 5 consecutive measurements were statistically significant (P < 0.001, for each). CONCLUSIONS: IOP and CCT values decrease longitudinally in healthy premature infants between 32 and 40 weeks' gestational age. Elevated IOP values, which were identified in the early premature period, seem to be associated with higher CCT values.

CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN INFANTS WITH RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate choroidal thickness in premature infants and its relationship with stage of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Spectral domain optical coherence tomography imaging for measuring subfoveal choroidal thickness was performed for 80 premature infants. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was defined as the distance from the hyperreflective line of the outermost retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) to the innermost hyperreflective line of the choroidoscleral junction. Each measurement was performed at the central fovea (CF) and 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm nasal (N1 and N2) and temporal (T1 and T2) to the fovea. Subfoveal choroidal thickness and grading of cystoid macular edema (CME) were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Choroidal thickness of CF was found to be significantly greater than nasal (N1 and N2) and temporal (T1 and T2) choroidal thickness (P < 0.05). There was no significant relationship between stage of ROP and nasal (N1 and N2) choroidal thickness (P = 0.057, P = 0.282, respectively). However, CF and temporal (T1 and T2) choroidal thickness was found to be significantly lower at a higher stage of ROP (P = 0.005, P = 0.01 and P = 0.001). No significant relationship was found between subfoveal choroidal thickness and the grades of cystoid macular edema (P > 0.05). The choroidal thickness of CF was found to be correlated with birth weight (r = 0.267, P = 0.017) but not birth week (r = 0.140, P = 0.217). Maximum stage of ROP was found to be negatively correlated with choroidal thickness, at N1, T1, and T2 (r < -0.250, P < 0.02). CONCLUSION: The subfoveal choroid in premature infants can be effectively evaluated using a portable SD-OCT device. Choroidal thickness gets thinner with the severity of ROP and the decrease is more prominent at the central and temporal location. Cystoid macular edema is not correlated with choroidal thickness in premature infants.

Comparison of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: 36 eyes of 20 patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections between August 2011 and February 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen eyes of 8 patients received 0.25 mg ranibizumab (group 1), and 21 eyes of 12 patients received 0.625 mg bevacizumab (group 2). Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy on the first day, third day, first week, and first month and as required after injections. Laser photocoagulation was performed in cases with progression of ROP. RESULTS: The mean gestation time was 26.2 ± 2.7 weeks in group 1 patients and 27.1 ± 2.5 weeks in group 2 patients. No statistical difference in the time of gestation was observed between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 20 ± 4.5 months. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 6 of 15 eyes from group 1 and 2 of 21 eyes from group 2. No eyes developed retinal detachment during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab showed an efficacy in the treatment of type 1 ROP. The incidence of disease relapse was higher in eyes which received ranibizumab. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

Comparison of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity / Comparação de ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítreos no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: 36 eyes of 20 patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections between August 2011 and February 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen eyes of 8 patients received 0.25 mg ranibizumab (group 1), and 21 eyes of 12 patients received 0.625 mg bevacizumab (group 2). Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy on the first day, third day, first week, and first month and as required after injections. Laser photocoagulation was performed in cases with progression of ROP. Results: The mean gestation time was 26.2 ± 2.7 weeks in group 1 patients and 27.1 ± 2.5 weeks in group 2 patients. No statistical difference in the time of gestation was observed between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 20 ± 4.5 months. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 6 of 15 eyes from group 1 and 2 of 21 eyes from group 2. No eyes developed retinal detachment during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab showed an efficacy in the treatment of type 1 ROP. The incidence of disease relapse was higher in eyes which received ranibizumab. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia de ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítreos no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) tipo 1. Método: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 36 olhos de 20 pacientes com retinopatia da prematuridade tipo 1 que receberam injeções intravítreas anti fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti VEGF) entre agosto de 2011 e fevereiro 2013. Quinze olhos de 8 pacientes receberam 0,25 mg ranibizumab (grupo 1) e 21 olhos de 12 pacientes receberam 0,625 mg bevacizumab (grupo 2). Os olhos foram examinados por oftalmoscopia indireta no primeiro dia, terceiro dia, primeira semana, e primeiro mês e conforme necessário após a injeção. Fotocoagulação com laser foi realizada quando foi detectada progressão da retinopatia da prematuridade. Resultados: Média do tempo de gestação para os pacientes do grupo 1 foi de 26,2 ± 2,7 semanas, enquanto para o grupo 2 foi de 27,1 ± 2,5 semanas. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao tempo de gestação entre os grupos. A média de acompanhamento foi de 20 ± 4,5 meses. Fotocoagulação a laser foi realizada a 6 dos 15 olhos do grupo 1 e 2 dos 21 olhos do grupo 2. Nenhum dos olhos desenvolveu descolamento de retina no período de acompanhamento. Conclusão: O ranibizumab e bevacizumab são eficazes no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade tipo 1. Incidência de progressão foi maior nos olhos que receberam ranibizumab. Ensaios clínicos controlados futuros são necessários para comparar esses dois medicamentos.

Successful treatment of ligneous conjunctivitis with topical fresh frozen plasma in an infant.

A 6-month-old female infant presented to our clinic with bilateral eyelid swelling, yellowish-white membranes under both lids, and mucoid ocular discharge. Her aunt had similar ocular problems that were undiagnosed. The conjunctival membranes were excised and histopathological investigation of these membranes showed ligneous conjunctivitis. Further, laboratory examination revealed plasminogen deficiency. A good response was observed to topical fresh frozen plasma (FFP) treatment without systemic therapy, and the membranes did not recur during the treatment. Topical FFP treatment may facilitate rapid rehabilitation and prevent recurrence in patients with ligneous conjunctivitis.

Successful treatment of ligneous conjunctivitis with topical fresh frozen plasma in an infant / Sucesso do tratamento da conjuntivite lenhosa com uso tópico de plasma fresco congelado em uma criança

ABSTRACTA 6-month-old female infant presented to our clinic with bilateral eyelid swelling, yellowish-white membranes under both lids, and mucoid ocular discharge. Her aunt had similar ocular problems that were undiagnosed. The conjunctival membranes were excised and histopathological investigation of these membranes showed ligneous conjunctivitis. Further, laboratory examination revealed plasminogen deficiency. A good response was observed to topical fresh frozen plasma (FFP) treatment without systemic therapy, and the membranes did not recur during the treatment. Topical FFP treatment may facilitate rapid rehabilitation and prevent recurrence in patients with ligneous conjunctivitis.

RESUMOUma criança feminina com seis meses de idade se apresentou à nossa clínica com edema palpebral bilateral, membranas brancas amareladas sob as pálpebras de ambos os olhos e descarga mucosa. Sua tia já havia apresentado problemas oculares semelhantes que não foram diagnosticados. As membranas conjuntivais foram excisadas e a investigação histopatológica das membranas demonstraram conjuntivite lenhosa. O diagnóstico de deficiência de plasminogênio foi obtido a partir de um exame laboratorial. Tratamento tópico com plasma fresco congelado (FFP) sem qualquer terapia sistêmica mostrou boa resposta. Não foram observadas recorrências das membranas. O tratamento tópico com FFP pode ajudar a reabilitação rápida e prevenir a recorrência em pacientes com conjuntivite lenhosa.

The relationship of birth weight, gestational age, and postmenstrual age with ocular biometry parameters in premature infants.

PURPOSE: To analyze ocular biometry parameters and evaluate their relationship with gestational age, birth weight, and postmenstrual age in prematurely born infants. METHODS: The right eyes of 361 premature infants born before the 36th gestational week were evaluated. Birth weight, gestational week, and gender were recorded. An A-scan Biometer was used for obtaining axial measurements, including anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous length, and total axial length. RESULTS: Gestational age and birth weight values ranged from 23 to 36 weeks and from 560 to 2,670 g, respectively. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 30.8 ± 2.8 weeks and 1,497.9 ± 483.6 g, respectively. During the first examination (4-5 weeks of postnatal age), birth weight and gestational age of the infants correlated significantly and positively with lens thickness, vitreous length, and axial length (r>0.5, p<0.001), but not with anterior chamber depth (r<0.5). Increased vitreous and axial lengths correlated significantly with increasing postmenstrual age of the infants (r=0.669, p<0.001; r=0.845, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Lens thickness, vitreous length, and axial length, but not anterior chamber depth, were significantly correlated with birth weight and gestational age. All four parameters increased with increasing postmenstrual age, with higher correlations for vitreous and axial lengths than for anterior chamber depth and lens thickness. It was concluded that axial elongation resulted primarily from increasing posterior chamber length.

The relationship of birth weight, gestational age, and postmenstrual age with ocular biometry parameters in premature infants / A relação entre o peso ao nascer, idade gestacional e idade pós-menstrual com a biometria ocular em bebês prematuros

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze ocular biometry parameters and evaluate their relationship with gestational age, birth weight, and postmenstrual age in prematurely born infants. Methods: The right eyes of 361 premature infants born before the 36th gestational week were evaluated. Birth weight, gestational week, and gender were recorded. An A-scan Biometer was used for obtaining axial measurements, including anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, vitreous length, and total axial length. Results: Gestational age and birth weight values ranged from 23 to 36 weeks and from 560 to 2,670 g, respectively. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 30.8 ± 2.8 weeks and 1,497.9 ± 483.6 g, respectively. During the first examination (4-5 weeks of postnatal age), birth weight and gestational age of the infants correlated significantly and positively with lens thickness, vitreous length, and axial length (r>0.5, p<0.001), but not with anterior chamber depth (r<0.5). Increased vitreous and axial lengths correlated significantly with increasing postmenstrual age of the infants (r=0.669, p<0.001; r=0.845, p<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Lens thickness, vitreous length, and axial length, but not anterior chamber depth, were significantly correlated with birth weight and gestational age. All four parameters increased with increasing postmenstrual age, with higher correlations for vitreous and axial lengths than for anterior chamber depth and lens thickness. It was concluded that axial elongation resulted primarily from increasing posterior chamber length. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Medir os comprimentos axiais dos componentes oculares e avaliar a relação com a idade gestacional, peso ao nascer e idade pós-menstrual em crianças nascidas prematuramente. Método: O olho direito de 361 crianças prematuras, que nasceram com menos de 36 semanas de gestação, foram avaliados. O peso ao nascer, semanas de gestação e gênero foram registrados. Um biômetro A-scan foi utilizado para a obtenção das medidas axiais da profundidade da câmara anterior, espessura do cristalino, comprimento vítreo e comprimento axial total. Resultados: A idade gestacional e os valores de peso ao nascimento variaram de 23 a 36 semanas e de 560 a 2.670 g, respectivamente. A idade gestacional e o peso ao nascer foram 30,8 ± 2,8 semanas e 1.497,9 ± 483,6 g. Ao primeiro exame (4 a 5 semanas de idade pós-natal), o peso ao nascimento e a idade gestacional dos recém-nascidos apresentaram correlação positiva, estatisticamente significativa, com a espessura do cristalino, comprimento vítreo e comprimento axial total (r>0,5 p<0,001), mas não com a profundidade da câmara anterior (r<0,5). O alongamento de comprimento vítreo e do comprimento axial total se correlacionaram significativamente com o aumento da idade pós-menstrual dos lactentes (r=0,669; p<0,001 e r=0,845; p<0,001, respectivamente). Conclusões: A espessura do cristalino, o comprimento vítreo e o comprimento axial total, mas não profundidade da câmara anterior, foram significativamente correlacionados com o peso ao nascimento e com a idade gestacional. Todos os quatro componentes aumentaram com a idade pós-menstrual, apresentando correlações mais elevadas do comprimento vítreo e comprimento axial total do que da profundidade da câmara anterior e espessura do cristalino. Concluiu-se que o alongamento axial resultou principalmente do aumento do comprimento da câmara posterior. .

The intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in healthy premature infants.

PURPOSE: To describe the normal values of intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in healthy premature infants. METHODS: Infants of <32 weeks' gestational age who underwent screened for retinopathy of prematurity were prospectively enrolled. The same ophthalmologist measured IOP by applanation tonometry and CCT using ultrasonic pachymetry. Infants were divided into four groups according to postconceptional ages (PCA). The mean values of the IOP and CCT were compared by nonparametric statistical tests, and the relationship of the PCA with IOP and CCT were analyzed with correlation tests. Only right eye measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 470 infants (mean PCA, 35.94 ± 4.00 weeks) were enrolled. The mean IOP with standard deviation was 16.86 ± 2.93 mm Hg; the mean CCT, 590 ± 58.26 µm. Both IOP and CCT values were found to be significantly higher in infants with lower versus higher PCA (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative linear relationship between the PCA and the values of IOP and CCT, separately. CONCLUSIONS: IOP and CCT values may be higher in infants with lower PCA. Higher IOP values in these infants may be associated with higher CCT values.

Spectral-Domain OCT Analyses of Macular Changes After Ranibizumab Therapy for Type 1 Retinopathy of Prematurity.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings after intravitreal ranibizumab treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Eighteen eyes of 10 premature infants with type 1 ROP were retrospectively studied. All eyes were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab as monotherapy. Macular SD-OCT was performed before and after intravitreal ranibizumab therapy using a portable SD-OCT machine; the follow-up images were taken 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 2 months after therapy. RESULTS: Among the 10 infants, there were six males and four females. Mean central foveal thickness before and 2 months after intravitreal ranibizumab was 292.5 ± 61.4 and 171.6 ± 21.7 µm, respectively. Differences were statistically significant (P = .01). Sixteen eyes of eight patients had macular edema before treatment. Two eyes of two patients developed a crack in the outer hyperreflective line on SD-OCT corresponding with retinal pigment epithelium with serous retinal detachment 1 day after treatment. Macular edema regressed in all patients 2 months after intravitreal ranibizumab therapy. Mean follow-up time was 11.4 ± 1.5 months. No recurrence was seen except in both eyes of one patient treated with intravitreal ranibizumab monotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal ranibizumab injection is effective for the treatment of type 1 ROP as a monotherapy agent; however, macular changes not seen with indirect ophthalmoscope may develop.

Analysis of the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length in premature infants.

PURPOSE: To determine the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length in premature infants. METHODS: Infants with a birth weight of less than 2,500 g or with a gestation period of less than 36 weeks were included in the study. Infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were allocated to Group 1 (n=138), while those without ROP were allocated to Group 2 (n=236). All infants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including corneal diameter measurements, pachymetry, biometry, and fundoscopy. Between-group comparisons of horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial lengths were performed. Independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Data was obtained from 374 eyes of 187 infants (102 female, 85 male). The mean gestational age at birth was 30.7 ± 2.7 weeks (range 25-36 weeks), the mean birth weight was 1,514 ± 533.3 g (range 750-1,970 g), and the mean postmenstrual age at examination was 40.0 ± 4.8 weeks. The mean gestational age and the mean birth weight of Group 1 were statistically lower than Group 2 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ROP in premature infants does not alter the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, or axial length.

Analysis of the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length in premature infants / Diâmetro horizontal corneano, espessura corneana central e o comprimento axial em prematuros

Purpose: To determine the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length in premature infants. Methods: Infants with a birth weight of less than 2,500 g or with a gestation period of less than 36 weeks were included in the study. Infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were allocated to Group 1 (n=138), while those without ROP were allocated to Group 2 (n=236). All infants underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including corneal diameter measurements, pachymetry, biometry, and fundoscopy. Between-group comparisons of horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial lengths were performed. Independent sample t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Data was obtained from 374 eyes of 187 infants (102 female, 85 male). The mean gestational age at birth was 30.7 ± 2.7 weeks (range 25-36 weeks), the mean birth weight was 1,514 ± 533.3 g (range 750-1,970 g), and the mean postmenstrual age at examination was 40.0 ± 4.8 weeks. The mean gestational age and the mean birth weight of Group 1 were statistically lower than Group 2 (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, and axial length between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: The presence of ROP in premature infants does not alter the horizontal corneal diameter, central corneal thickness, or axial length. .

Objetivo: Determinar o diâmetro horizontal corneano, a espessura corneana central e o comprimento axial de prematuros. Métodos: Crianças com peso de nascimento menor que 2.500 g ou idade gestacional menor que 36 semanas foram incluídas no estudo. Recém-nascidos com retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) foram alocados no Grupo 1 (n=138), sem ROP foram alocados no Grupo 2 (n=236). Todos os bebês foram submetidos a exame oftalmológico completo, incluindo medida do diâmetro corneano, paquimetria, biometria e fundoscopia. O diâmetro horizontal corneano, a espessura corneana central e o comprimento axial dos grupos foram comparados. Teste de "Student" para amostras independentes foi utilizado na análise estatística. Resultados: Os dados foram obtidos a partir de 374 olhos de 187 crianças (102 meninas, 85 meninos). A idade gestacional média ao nascer foi de 30,7 ± 2,7 semanas (variação de 25 a 36 semanas). O peso médio ao nascer foi de 1.514 ± 533,3 g (variação de 750 a 1.970 g). A idade pós-menstrual média de exame foi de 40,0 ± 4,8 semanas. A idade gestacional e o peso médio do Grupo 1 eram estatisticamente inferiores aos do Grupo 2 (p<0,05). Não houve diferenças significativas no diâmetro horizontal da córnea, espessura corneana central e medidas de comprimento axial entre dois grupos (p>0,05). Conclusões: A presença de ROP em prematuros não altera o diâmetro da córnea horizontal, espessura corneana central e o comprimento axial. .