Visual acuity and macular optical coherence tomography abnormalities in children with history of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

To correlate visual acuity (VA) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and normal macular fundoscopy. This retrospective cohort study reviewed the charts of all ROP patients evaluated during the last 2 years. Children with prior OCT were included. Patients with abnormal macular fundoscopy or prior vitrectomy were excluded. Subjects were divided by VA into group 1 if >20/40, and group 2 if <20/40. Sixteen patients were identified: 14 eyes in group 1 and 13 in group 2. All patients except one had abnormal foveal contours. Mean values in groups 1 and 2 included: VA, 20/25 vs. 20/62, age in years, 8.8 vs 12.4, spherical equivalent, −3.42 D vs −5.00 D, and gestational age in weeks, 27.1 vs. 26.2. Eight eyes in each group had laser therapy. Mean central foveal thickness in micrometers was 276 and 296 in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Retention of inner retinal layers was found in 63% in group 1 and 66% in group 2. Patients with history of ROP frequently have abnormal foveal morphology by OCT, including retention of inner retinal layers. Abnormal foveal contour associated with ROP does not necessarily imply poor visual acuity. Macular structural abnormalities detected by OCT do not always correlate with visual acuity. Other factors may play a role in the visual development of children with history of ROP.