Risk factors for early-onset high myopia after treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE

To investigate the prevalence of myopia and high myopia and the risk factors for high myopia in infants at 3 years of age with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective, observational.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all 89 preterm infants (178 eyes) with medical records of ROP between October 2008 and March 2018 at Toho University Medical Center Omori Hospital; these infants had a birth weight of less than 1,500 g and were followed up at least until 3 years of age. Cycloplegic autorefraction was performed to measure refractive outcomes. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the risk factors for early-onset high myopia at 3 years of age.

RESULTS

The prevalence of myopia and high myopia was significantly higher in the treated group (59.7% and 17.9%, respectively) than in the untreated group (19.7% and 0%, respectively) (p<0.001). Spherical equivalent (SE) at age 3 was more myopic in the treatment group (-1.72 ± 3.53 D) than in the untreated group (0.54 ± 1.08 D) (p<0.001). In the sub-analysis of the treatment group, there was a significant correlation between SE at age 3 and the number of laser shots (R = 0.36, p<0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the number of laser shots was an independent risk factor for early onset high myopia (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The number of laser shots is an independent risk factor for early onset high myopia, and preterm infants who have undergone laser treatment for severe ROP should be considered for early optical correction with cycloplegic refractive examination.