Abstract:Objective To study the preschool refractive status of premature children. Methods A total of 193 premature children at the age of 3 years (386 eyes) having physical examination in our hospital from February 2009 to January 2010 were selected as the preterm group, and 190 3-year old term children having examination (380 eyes) at the same period were randomly selected as the full-term group. The preschool diopter and refractive status were compared between the two groups. Results The spherical equivalent, spherical and cylindrical degree were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). The rates of hyperopia, emmetropia, myopia and astigmatism were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions Preterm children have poor preschool refractive status, and are more likely to develop myopia or astigmatism. Refractive examination of preterm children should be strengthened in clinic, and regular follow-up and intervention should be carried out.