Prevalence and Development of Strabismus in 10-Year-Old Premature Children: A Population-Based Study

PURPOSE To evaluate the prevalence and development of strabismus, at 10 years, in children born prematurely. METHODS This population-based study included 216 premature and 217 full-term children from the same geographic area. RESULTS Strabismus was noted in 16.2% (35 of 216) premature and in 3.2% (7 of 217) full-term children. The most important risk factors for strabismus at 10 years were anisometropia at 6 months, spherical equivalent refractive errors (ie, > +3 D or < -3 D) at 2.5 years, and various neurologic conditions. CONCLUSION At 10 years, children born prematurely have a greater risk of strabismus than children born at term. <cite>J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus</cite> 2006;43:346-352. AUTHORS Drs. Holmström and Larsson are from the Department of Ophthalmology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. Dr. Rydberg is from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Originally submitted March 15, 2005. Accepted for publication June 23, 2005. Address reprint requests to Gerd Holmström, MD, PhD; Department of Ophthalmology; Uppsala University Hospital; 751 85 Uppsala; Sweden. Supported by Stiftelsen Synfrämjandets forskningsfond and Kronprinsessan Margarethas Arbetsnämnd för synskadade. The authors thank Elisabeth Berg, BSc, Department of Humanities, Informatics and Social Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, for helpful statistical evaluation.