Central corneal thickness and corneal diameter in premature infants.
BACKGROUND
Central corneal thickness is significantly greater in full-term infants than in adults. Very little is known about corneal thickness in premature infants.


METHODS
Measurements of central corneal thickness and horizontal corneal diameter were carried out in 35 premature babies (70 eyes) undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity. Initial measurements were taken at approximately 31 weeks gestational age and at intervals until term was reached.


RESULTS
Babies born at approximately 31 weeks have very thick corneas which show a progressive and statistically significant decrease to term. Conversely, horizontal corneal diameter shows a progressive significant increase to term. A very strong inverse correlation was found between these two parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that premature infants have thick corneas and small corneal diameters. Central corneal thickness decreases dramatically from approximately 31 weeks to term and is mirrored by a significant increase in corneal diameter.
Kirwan
Caitriona
C
Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
O'Keefe
Michael
M
Fitzsimon
Susan
S
D001724:Birth Weight; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D003315:Cornea / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies