Ambient Light, Ophthalmic Artery Blood Flow Velocities and Retinopathy of Prematurity

Exposure to bright light was recently proposed as a possible risk factor for the development of retinopathy of prematurity. A semi-longitudinal Doppler ultrasound study was conducted of ophthalmic artery flow velocities at normal and increased ambient light in 22 preterm infants, at post-menstrual ages from 28 to 37 weeks. The aim of this study was to obtain relationships between ophthalmic artery blood flow velocities at various post-menstrual ages and lighting conditions and the occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity. A gradual increase in average blood flow velocities was seen between 28 and 37 weeks. A stepwise increase in flow velocity was seen in all cases when ambient light was increased from moderate to intense. Five of the 22 infants developed retinopathy. No association could be established between ophthalmic artery flow velocities or light-induced changes in flow velocity and the occurrence of retinopathy.