Morphological features of retinal development in premature Chinese infants observed by computer-assisted indirect ophthalmoscope imaging.

Objective: To investigate retinal maturation in premature infants (gestation age <37 weeks). using computer-assisted indirect ophthalmoscope imaging.
Methods: Premature infants at postmenstrual age 33-46 weeks, who underwent fundus examinations using computer-aided indirect ophthalmoscopy, were stratified into seven postmenstrual-age groups. Images of macular morphology, peripheral retinal vascularization and fundus pigmentation were compared.
Results: The study included 268 infants in the following postmenstrual-age groups: 33-34 weeks (n = 19), 35-36 weeks (n = 37), 37-38 weeks (n = 49), 39-40 weeks (n = 55), 41-42 weeks (n = 49), 43-44 weeks (n = 34), and 45-46 weeks (n = 25). The macula matured with increasing postmenstrual age. A mature macula was observed in 92% of infants at 45-46 weeks. Complete vascularization was achieved at 41-42 weeks in the nasal retina and at 43-44 weeks in the temporal retina. The number of retinas with normal pigmentation increased with postmenstrual age (rising to 84% of infants at postmenstrual age 45-46 weeks).
Conclusions: Following premature birth, macular morphology, retinal vascularization and retinal pigmentation continue to develop. This study provides reference images of normal retinal development in premature infants.
(© The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.)