Ophthalmic changes from age of 10 to 18 years. A longitudinal study of sequels to low birth weight. III. Ultrasound oculometry and keratometry of anterior eye segment.

Anterior eye segment features were investigated longitudinally by ultrasound and keratometry in 70 low-birth-weight subjects (LBW less than 2000 g) and 67 full-term controls, at the ages of 10 and 18 years. Concerning the changes during adolescence, a slight significant deepening of anterior chamber and lens position is found (about 0.1 mm), while lens thickness, corneal curvature radius and corneal astigmatism have remained stable. Differences between BW-groups indicate a permanent influence of LBW on ocular development, as evident from a presumed 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. Further 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), the present study indicates a more general restraining influence also on anterior eye segment development.