Babies born prematurely are at an increased risk for many health problems. As they mature, they continue to have more of these problems than their peers born at term.
For many years doctors have known that children born prematurely have more retina problems than children born at full term. However, by age 10, these kids are four times more likely to need glasses. This is true even if they have normal retinas.
It's rare for children to complain of vision problems. Often the problem is found when the child's school performance declines or parents see their kids sitting closer and closer to the television.
Prematurely born children with retinopathy should be evaluated by ophthalmologists regularly. But all children born prematurely should be examined for refraction errors.
Archives of Ophthalmology
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