Why ROP Is So Important?

15-03-2021

Why ROP Is So Important?

Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye disease that occurs in premature babies. Infants born with a birth weight of 1250 grams or less or babies born at less than 30 weeks of the gestational period are at the highest risk of developing ROP.
A human's vision depends upon his or her retina. ROP can occur in an early born baby because a premature retina layer with further exposure to certain factors that can act as a catalyst for this disease can be very dangerous for the condition called ROP. The retina could develop abnormal blood vessels that could result in internal bleeding of the eye and cause a retinal detachment. Therefore if ROP is not detected, treated and cured, it can cause irreversible loss of vision or even blindness.

The symptoms of retinopathy of prematurity

In retinopathy of prematurity, no early changes related to this disease will be visible with the naked eye. Thus any premature newborn who is considered to be at high risk should be screened and examined by an opthalmologist to reveal any kind of abnormalities.

Treatment of ROP

There are five stages of ROP. The favourable being stage 1, which implies a minimum abnormal growth of the eye vessel. The final stage is the most severe, in which the newborn suffers from a retinal detachment and extensive eye scarring.
All premature babies should go through an eye check-up at least once every year to ensure the development of their vision. The screening and treatment of ROP generally provide the best and suitable outcome in a timely eye check-up.
In case of infants with extreme conditions of retinopathy of prematurity have to go through necessary eye surgery or urgent treatments like laser treatments or intravitreal injections.

best paediatrict ophthalmologists in kolkata

The newborns who will be analyzed to have developed ROP may also require proper treatment for Cataract, glaucoma, cross-eyes and retinal detachment. An early diagnosis and proper ROP treatment in one of the top eye hospital in Kolkata can protect and save your child's vision. Therefore it is essential to get your baby's eye checked by an opthalmologist at an early stage.

Preferred time for eye examination of a premature baby

An opthalmologist should examine a premature baby within 30 days of his or her birth. ROP can progress rapidly; thus, it is crucial to take your baby for proper eye treatment as early as possible for best outcomes and adequate treatment to save your child's vision.

ROP can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent any kind of visual impairment of your child. Early screening and treatment of ROP will help your baby not to suffer any eye-related complications. Even If any premature baby is diagnosed not to have any ROP conditions, it is advised and essential to continue follow-up sessions of eye check-up at least once a year by an opthalmologist to ensure safety and development of vision as it should be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is ROP?

ROP or Retinopathy of Prematurity, an eye disease that affects premature babies in which abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This can lead to scarring, retinal detachment, and potentially severe vision loss or blindness if left untreated. The condition is more common in babies born before 31 weeks and is diagnosed through an eye exam by an ophthalmologist.

What Are The Symptoms Of ROP?

ROP often has no early symptoms, so premature babies must be screened by an eye doctor. As the condition progresses, signs can include a white pupil, crossed eyes (strabismus), or uncontrolled eye movements (nystagmus). Advanced cases can lead to significant vision loss and blindness due to retinal detachment.

How Is ROP Diagnosed?

ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) is diagnosed through a detailed eye examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist using indirect ophthalmoscopy. The doctor examines the baby’s retina after dilating the pupils, usually within 4–6 weeks after birth or by 31–33 weeks of gestation, whichever is later.

Can ROP Come Back After We Leave The NICU?

ROP does not necessarily stop just because a baby is discharged from NICU. That’s why regular eye check-ups with an ROP specialist are essential until the blood vessels in the eye are fully matured.

Which Babies Are At The Highest Risk For ROP?

Babies at the highest risk for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), are those born prematurely (before 31 weeks of pregnancy) or with very low birth weight (less than 1500 grams) .Other critical risk factors include prolonged oxygen use, sepsis, blood transfusions, and severe illness.

Can I See Symptoms Of ROP In My Baby's Eyes?

No, you cannot typically see symptoms of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in your baby’s eyes. ROP occurs deep inside the eye, so the eyes usually look normal even if the disease is present. Regular screening is important for premature babies to detect and treat ROP early.

When Should The First ROP Screening Happen?

The first screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is usually recommended at 4 weeks after birth or 31 weeks post-menstrual age, whichever is later. For extremely premature infants (under 28 weeks or <1200g), the first screening is recommended earlier, at 2 to 3 weeks of age.