VISUAL-ACUITY SCREENING OF PRETERM INFANTS

Abstract

Visual acuity was screened in 36 healthy infants born 4 or more weeks prior to term. Preterm infants tested at 8 and 12 wk of postnatal age showed significantly poorer performances than those shown by 8 and 12 wk old full-term infants. No differences in performance were found when the scores of preterm infants tested at 4, 8 and 12 wk of postterm age (i.e., 4, 8 and 12 wk from due date) were compared with scores of 4, 8, and 12 wk old full-term infants. Visual acuity apparently is more closely correlated with age from conception than with age from birth. Visual acuity screening in preterm infants is recommended with acuity gratings appropriate for the infant''s postterm age rather than with acuity gratings appropriate for the infant''s postnatal age.