Tear Function and Ocular Surface Findings in Premature and Term Babies

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the ocular surface and tear function findings in premature and term babies. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 30 premature babies and 60 eyes of 30 healthy term babies were studied. The subjects underwent routine ophthalmic examinations corneal sensitivity test, corneal fluorescein test, Schirmer test with anesthesia, tear breakup time test, lipid layer pattern test and conjuctival impression cytology. RESULTS: The mean corneal sensitivity scores were 35.2+/-5.0 mm and 54.2+/-3.7 mm in the premature and term babies, respectively (P0.001). Mean squamous metaplasia scores were 1.05+/-0.59 in the premature and 0.18+/-0.39 in the term babies (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Premature infants had decreased tactile corneal sensitivity and reduced basal tear secretion as compared with full term infants. The premature infants did not have severe ocular surface disease from dry eyes because the lipid layers provide a protective effect for the ocular surface.