Prematurity increases the risk of developing which one of the following?

• A. Nystagmus
• B. Astigmatism
• C. Glaucoma
• D. Myopia

Answer: (D)

Premature birth disrupts normal eye development and the process of emmetropization, so refractive errors are more common in these children. Eyes that develop outside the typical time frame often end up elongated, which shifts focus in front of the retina and produces myopia. This is especially true in those with a history of retinopathy of prematurity, where high myopia is a well-described outcome. While other refractive errors like astigmatism can occur in preterm infants, myopia is the most characteristic risk associated with prematurity.