The rapid change of corneal curvature in the neonatal period and infancy.

We measured the radii of corneal curvature of premature and mature newborns, using a rearranged automated keratometer and carried out a consecutive study in 18 of the newborns. The mean keratometry value in diopters (D) for seven premature babies was 49.50 D; that for 11 mature babies 47.00 D. The change of corneal curvature over time was observed in eight newborns (16 eyes). It showed rapid change from 49.01 to 45.98 D during 2 to 4 weeks of life and became very slow after 8 weeks of life (44.60 D). It would appear that the change of corneal curvature does not keep pace with the increase of axial length after 12 weeks of life, and constant ocular refractive status probably requires substantial changes in lenticular power.