J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2007 Dec;48(12):1694-1698.

Bell's Phenomenon and Conjunctival Injury in Screening Examination for Retinopathy of Prematurity

• Park SW
• Lee JE
• Choi HY
• Oum BS

Abstract

PURPOSE: Bell's phenomenon (BP) was known not to be common in premature babies. If manifested, it may be detected on screening examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), indicating that conjunctival injury may have occurred. We studied correlations with BP and conjunctival injuries.
METHODS
Ninety-two eyes of 46 premature babies, ranging from 36 to 38 weeks of gestational age, underwent screening examination for ROP. Rotation of the eyeball was evaluated with an inserted speculum. After observing temporal and nasal ora serrata with indentation, conjunctiva was examined for any possible damage.
RESULTS
BP was observed in 50 of 92 subjects (54%). Notable conjunctival hemorrhage was found in 7 of 50 eyes (14%) with BP and in 2 of 42 eyes (5%) without BP. Stronger BP is correlated with severe injury to the conjunctiva (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Bell's phenomenon (BP) may manifest in screening examinations for ROP. Manifestations of BP are related to conjunctival injury.

Keyword

Bell's phenomenon; Retinopathy of prematurity

MeSH Terms

Conjunctiva
Gestational Age
Hemorrhage
Mass Screening*
Retinopathy of Prematurity*
Surgical Instruments

Figure

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  Figure 1. Grading of Bell's phenomenon.: (A) grade 0, no response, (B) grade 1, minimal response or the corneal center is visible, (C) grade 2, full response or the corneal center is invisible.

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  Figure 2. Grading of conjunctival injury.: (A) grade A, minimal injury. (B) grade B, conjunctival petechia. (C) conjunctival hemorrhage or laceration.

Reference

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