Ocular findings in prematurely born children at the age of 12.

A group of 79 prematurely born children was assessed ophthalmologically at the age of 12 and compared with a group of 100 12 years old children born at term. Of the 79 children, results of neonatal eye examinations were available in 26 prematures (52 eyes). In 28 eyes no signs of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were detected (non-ROP group). In 24 eyes a stage 1 or 2 retinopathy of prematurity was present (ROB group). 75% of the children with ROP had an ophthalmological problem. Myopia (29%), hypermetropia (21%), astigmatism (37%) and strabismus (33%) were significantly higher. Considering the whole group of prematurely born children, there was more astigmatism (11%) and strabismus (13%). Preterm children, with or without ROP, are more prone to develop ocular problems.