Eye and Growth in Adolescents Born Moderate-to-late Preterm

Ocular Morphology and Visual Function in Relation to Growth, Metabolic, Cardiovascular, and Neuropsychiatric Status, and Quality of Life in Adolescents Born Moderate-to-late Preterm

During recent years, the interest in studying the risks of being born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP), defined as birth between gestational week 32 to 36, has increased. Today the investigators know that morbidity and mortality are significantly higher in these individuals compared to individuals born full-term. However, few studies have focused on the development of the eye in MLP individuals. The purpose of the study is to evaluate eye morphology and visual function in relation to growth, metabolism, blood pressure, neuropsychiatric factors, and quality of life in adolescents born MLP. The results of the examinations will be compared to an age-matched control group. The study will evaluate the structural, functional, and metabolic aspects of the eye with the hypothesis that early eye abnormalities may detect the risk of developing metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Born moderate-to-late preterm.
• Born in Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Born between years 2002 and 2004.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chromosomal abnormalities.
• Syndromes.
• Severe malformations.
• Asphyxia.
• Language difficulties.
• Psychosocial problems at birth.
• Severe maternal illness.