An association between low birth weight and altered ocular geometry in adults aged 40 to 80 years, has been highlighted in a German population-based study.
Researchers say this suggests birth weight and associated factors are crucial in anatomical ocular morphologic development, but add the findings could not be controlled for retinopathy of prematurity and its treatment, which may affect the outcomes.
The Gutenberg Health Study is a population-based, observational cohort study. Analysis of 7120 participants with birth weight and follow-up data found an association of low birth weight with steeper corneal curvature, thinner central cornea, and shorter axial length among adults aged 40 to 80 years.
All participants underwent ocular biometry, with corneal curvature, central corneal thickness, white-to-white distance, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length recorded. Among the participants with follow-up and self-reported birth weight available, associations were assessed between low birth weight and anterior segment anatomy and axial length using multivariable linear regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex. In patients with phakia, anterior chamber depth and lens thickness were also examined.
Overall, 11 294 eyes of 7120 participants were included. Most of the participants were white.
After adjustment for age and sex, an association was found between a lower birth weight and steeper corneal curvature (β = 0.005 mm/100 g; 95% CI, 0.005-0.006 mm/100 g; P < .001), smaller white-to-white distance (β = 0.006 mm/100 g; 95% CI, 0.005-0.007 mm/100 g; P < .001), thinner central corneal thickness (β = 0.327 μm/100 g; 95% CI, 0.229-0.425 μm/100 g; P < .001), and shorter axial length (β = 0.006 mm/100 g; 95% CI, 0.003-0.010 mm/100 g; P < .001).
Anterior chamber depth and lens thickness were not associated with low birth weight in participants with phakia (10 510 eyes of 5279 participants).
