Bell's Phenomenon and Conjunctival Injury in Screening Examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Bell's phenomenon (BP) was known not to be common in premature babies. If manifested, it may be detected on screening examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), indicating that conjunctival injury may have occurred. We studied correlations with BP and conjunctival injuries. METHODS: Ninety-two eyes of 46 premature babies, ranging from 36 to 38 weeks of gestational age, underwent screening examination for ROP. Rotation of the eyeball was evaluated with an inserted speculum. After observing temporal and nasal ora serrata with indentation, conjunctiva was examined for any possible damage. RESULTS: BP was observed in 50 of 92 subjects (54%). Notable conjunctival hemorrhage was found in 7 of 50 eyes (14%) with BP and in 2 of 42 eyes (5%) without BP. Stronger BP is correlated with severe injury to the conjunctiva (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bell's phenomenon (BP) may manifest in screening examinations for ROP. Manifestations of BP are related to conjunctival injury.