RetCam image analysis of the optic disc in premature infants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between optic disc parameters and birth weight or gestational age in premature infants.

METHODS

RetCam fundal images were taken of 97 premature infants who needed screening for retinopathy of prematurity and who had no ischemic brain injury. The images were taken at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks and analyzed. The optic disc cup to disc ratio, optic disc area, rim area, and cup to disc area ratio were calculated using image analysis. We evaluated the relationship between these optic disc parameters and gestational age or birth weight.

RESULTS

The optic cup to disc ratio was less than 0.15 in 139 eyes (71.6%) and 0.5 or more in six eyes (3.1%). The optic cup disc area ratio was less than 0.05 in 146 eyes (75.3%) and 0.3 or more in four eyes (2.1%). On evaluating the association between optic disc parameters and gestational age or birth weight, optic disc cup to disc ratio, optic disc area, rim area, and cup to disc area ratio did not show significant relationships.

CONCLUSION

The optic disc parameters of premature infants had no correlation with birth weight and gestational age.