Screening-detected refractive errors in infants born after assisted reproductive technology: a prospective cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Screening-detected refractive errors in infants born after assisted reproductive technology: a prospective cohort study

  • By

  • Xin Zou

  • Mamoud Alieu Jalloh

  • Zijin Wang

  • Yan Zong

  • Yangqian Jiang

  • Tao Jiang

  • Lei You

  • Rui Qin

  • Hong Lv

  • Yuxin Liu

  • Tianyu Sun

  • Bo Xu

  • Xiumei Han,

  • Xiaoyu Liu

  • Kun Zhou

  • Guangfu Jin

  • Hongxia Ma

  • Yuan Lin

  • Zhibin Hu

  • Hu Liu

  • Jiangbo Du

  • Jiong Li

  • March 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Refractive Errors Identified Through Screening in Infants Conceived via ART

Overview

This study investigates the association between assisted reproductive technology (ART) and the risk of refractive errors (REs) in infants at one year of age. Findings suggest that ART conception may not significantly increase the risk of screening-detected REs compared to spontaneously conceived infants.

Background

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) accounts for approximately 2% of live births and has been associated with various health risks in offspring, including potential visual development issues. Understanding the impact of ART on early visual development is crucial, as refractive errors can affect long-term visual outcomes. This study aims to clarify the relationship between ART and refractive errors in infants, contributing to the broader understanding of ART-related health implications.

Data Highlights

No significant increase in refractive errors was detected in ART-conceived infants compared to those conceived spontaneously.

Key Findings

  • ART conception does not appear to increase the risk of refractive errors at one year of age.
  • Variability in infertility-related diagnoses and ART procedures may influence visual outcomes.
  • The study included a large cohort of 2739 ART-conceived and 3574 spontaneously conceived infants.
  • Follow-up assessments were conducted to ensure accurate data collection on visual health.
  • Results indicate the need for cautious interpretation of ART-related visual development risks.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware that ART may not inherently increase the risk of refractive errors in infants. Ongoing monitoring and standardized screening protocols are essential for early detection and management of visual issues in this population.

Conclusion

The findings of this study provide reassurance regarding the visual health of ART-conceived infants, emphasizing the importance of continued research in this area.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Jiangsu Birth Cohort Study, PubMed, 2026 -- Screening-detected refractive errors in infants born after assisted reproductive technology: a prospective cohort study
  2. Frontiers in Medicine — Refractive outcomes following anti-VEGF, vitrectomy, cryotherapy, and laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  3. Retinal Physician — New Tool Improves Screening for ROP
  4. Contact Lens Spectrum — The Technology Behind Refractive Surgery
  5. Contact Lens Spectrum — REFRACTIVE FOCUS
  6. State-Specific Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance | CDC
  7. New Tool Improves Screening for ROP
  8. https://publications.aap.org/pediatriccare/pages/periodicity-schedule?utm_source=openai
  9. Screening-detected refractive errors in infants born after assisted reproductive technology: a prospective cohort study - PubMed
  10. Maternal Hypertensive Disorder in Pregnancy and Childhood Strabismus in Offspring

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