ABSTRACT
We performed ophthalmologic examinations on 180 neonates (27 to 34 weeks gestational
age) shortly after birth, and disappearance of the anterior capsule of the lens vessels
was used to estimate gestational age. Three groups of patients were studied: I: chronic
hypertension (n = 80); II: preeclampsia (n = 60); III: normal pregnancies (n = 40).
The gestational age was also determined by a reliable menstrual history or early ultrasound
examination, or both, and Ballard's scoring and compared with that assessed by grading
of the anterior vascular capsule of the lens. We found a significant acceleration
of gestational age in vascular capsule of the lens when maternal chronic hypertension
existed. This study shows that chronic intrauterine stress results in the disappearance
of the tunica vasculosa lentis of the fetal eye and therefore suggesting accelerated
maturation of this vascular compartment.
