Ophthalmologic Follow-Up of Premature Twins and Triplets

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the influence of multiple gestation on the visual apparatus and on the general state of health of premature infants and to investigate the condition of the twin or triplet with the lowest birth weight compared to multiple gestation siblings.

Methods

Seventy-seven premature twins or triplets (8 to 54 months of age) were monitored at the Verona University Ophthalmology Department from November 1995 to November 1999. In another 12 subjects (younger than 8 months), only the neonatal disease records were examined; these subjects were excluded from the ophthalmologic follow-up because they were too young to be tested reliably. The study sample was compared with 120 premature singletons monitored from January 1996 to March 1998. Visual acuity, ocular motility, strabismus, refraction defects, dioptric media, and fundus oculi were assessed.

Results

The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity, refraction defects, or strabismus was not significantly different between premature twins or triplets and premature singletons. The twin or triplet with the lowest birth weight was more frequently affected by eye morbidity and the diseases typical of prematurity. This difference, however, was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Premature infants are at a disadvantage compared to those born at term, irrespective of multiple birth status; multiple gestation adds no risk beyond that due to prematurity.