The intraocular pressure (IOP) ranges of premature newborns are not the same as those in full-term newborns and adult population. The exact ranges and causes, however, differ depending on the measurement techniques used and analysis. Our study aimed to summarize and analyze available information in the up-to-date literature concerning IOP values in premature newborns. We performed a systematic literature review with meta-analysis. Our research showed the mean IOP in premature newborns to range from 10 to 29 mmHg according to different authors, and its mean values were higher in premature compared to full-term newborns. The most commonly analyzed factor that probably affected IOP measurement was central corneal thickness. Longitudinal studies showed that IOP and central corneal thickness declined with maturation of the newborn and both factors were probably correlated. Additional studies with larger sample sizes and better differentiated sample groups need to be performed.
Keywords: Central corneal thickness; Infants; Intraocular pressure; Preterm infants.
Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital.