Iridocorneal angle assessment in children with spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity

Purpose To assess anterior segment anatomic parameters in school-aged children with spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (sr-ROP) and in children born preterm without ROP history (preT). Methods sr-ROP and preT children were compared with healthy, born at term children (control group). Biometric characteristics were measured with the IOLMaster. Iridocorneal angle structure was evaluated using Visante AS-OCT, and angle opening distance, trabecular iris space area and scleral spur angle were calculated. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured with the ETDRS chart. Results We examined 22 eyes of 11 children with sr-ROP, 26 eyes of 13 preT children and 24 eyes of 12 healthy controls, with a median age of 8 years. sr-ROP children exhibited worse mean BCVA and reduced AL compared to controls (p = 0.001 and p = 0.007, respectively). A narrower iridocorneal angle was found in sr-ROP compared to the preT and the control groups. Preterm children were found to have similar anterior chamber angle metrics compared to the full-term control group. Conclusion In this study, school-aged children with a history of sr-ROP had narrower angles compared to preterm- and term-born children. AS-OCT demonstrated structural differences of the iridocorneal angle in sr-ROP, possibly reflecting a mild developmental arrest of the anterior segment.

Automated summary

In this study, school-aged children with a history of sr-ROP had narrower angles compared to preterm- and term-born children. AS-OCT demonstrated structural differences of the iridocorneal angle in sr-ROP, possibly reflecting a mild developmental arrest of the anterior segment.