DR. SOUMI KANJI

Dr. PAMPA HALDER, DR. VISHWANATH PRATAP

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Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of birth weight and post conceptional age on basal & reflex tear production in preterm & term neonates and to determine the changes in tear production during 1st month of life.

Study design: Prospective,observational case series.

Methods: 120 medically stable neonates were examined in two groups i.e 60 preterm & 60 term.Tear secretion was evaluated by Schirmer test strips.Tear measurements were done within first 48 hours of life then repeated at 2nd & 4th week.

Results:Mean(± SD) basal tear secretion was 4.2(±3.0) mm in preterm & 8.7(± 3.1) mm in term neonates.

Mean(± SD) reflex tear secretion was 6.1(±3.0) mm in preterm & 10.1(± 2.9) mm in term neonates.For term neonates total tear secretion was significantly increased at 2nd & 4th week & for preterm neonates significant increase was noticed at 4th week.

Conclusions:Preterm neonates have reduced reflex & basal tear secretion than term neonates.Tear production in neonates depends on their maturity.

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