OPTIC DISC CUPPING AND PREMATURITY Large Cups as a Possible Low Birth Weight Sequel

Abstract

Ex-prematures studied around the age of 10 yr showed significantly more pronounced cupping of the optic disc in children of a low birth wt (< 2000 g) than in full-term controls. This was true for cup size (cup/disc diameter ratio) as well as depth (as indicated by a visible cribriform plate). Additional calculations based on some of this data were made. Within the ex-prematures (n = 268) the cup size did not seem related to birth wt, sex or visual acuity. Eyes with myopia of prematurity were not especially loaded with large cups. For the whole sample (including the 187 full-term controls) there was a weak association between cup size and refraction (and axial eye length). Larger cups occurred relatively more often in myopic eyes. Possible mechanisms behind early changes in disc are discussed including the astroglial hypothesis, distension of disc or the loss of retinal nerve fibers. Large disc cupping as a possible low birth wt sequel must be substantiated by further clinical evidence, as statistical type I error (mass significance) cannot be ruled out.