The aim of this study was to compare morphologic, electrophysiologic, and visual function parameters in non-glaucomatous cupping of prematurity to those of controls. Twenty children (7 to 18 years) with non-glaucomatous cupping of prematurity were prospectively recruited, along with 20 controls. Visual function parameters, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and visual evoked potentials (VEP) parameters were measured. RNFL thickness was reduced in children with non-glaucomatous cupping of prematurity compared with controls. VEP P100 amplitude was significantly lower in children with non-glaucomatous cupping of prematurity than in the control group. Kinetic perimetry visual fields were normal in all but one patient. Static perimetry revealed increased overall pattern defect in children with non-glaucomatous cupping of prematurity compared with controls. Despite these morphological, electrophysiological, and subtle visual field defects, many other visual function parameters, such as visual acuity, color vision, and contrast sensitivity, appear similar to normal controls.
Keywords: non-glaucomatous cupping; prematurirty; retinal nerve fiber layer thickness; visual evoked potentials.