White-to-white corneal diameter of full-term Nigerian newborns

BackgroundMeasurement of corneal diameter (CD) in children is pertinent in the diagnosis and monitoring of some ocular diseases, especially anterior segment anomalies and congenital glaucoma. Data on normal values of CD in African children are scarce, and Caucasian values are mostly referred to. The aim of this study was to determine the normative values of CD in full-term newborns and to assess its relationship with some birth parameters.MethodsHorizontal and vertical CDs were measured in 1000 eyes of 500 consecutive normal full-term babies within their 1st week of life using calipers in a cross-sectional study. The relationship between CD and different variables was assessed using multiple linear regression.ResultsA total of 254 (50.8%) male and 246 (49.2%) female babies were involved in the study. The values (mean ± standard deviation) of horizontal and vertical CD were 9.87 ± 0.04 mm (range 9.00–10.75 mm) and 9.62 ± 0.41 mm (range 8.75–10.75 mm), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean horizontal CD for the right and left eyes (p = 0.39). The mean horizontal CD in males were not significantly different from that in females (p = 0.21). The 95% range for horizontal CD (mean ± 2 standard deviations) was 9.06–10.66 mm. Birth weight showed a positive correlation with CD (r = 0.59, p < 0.001).ConclusionFrom the results of this study, normative values of CD in full-term Nigerian newborns have been established. This will enhance the ophthalmic care of newborns in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.