Understanding Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) and Its Impact on Premature Infants

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye condition that can affect premature infants. It occurs when the blood vessels in the back of the eye (retina) grow abnormally. Normally, blood vessels grow from the centre of the retina towards the edges as a baby develops in the womb. However, in premature infants, this process can be disrupted, leading to abnormal vessel growth. This abnormal growth can cause the retina to detach, leading to vision loss or even blindness.

The risk of developing ROP is higher in infants born:

• Before 30 weeks of gestation
• Weighing less than 1500 grams at birth

While neonatal care and screening have reduced the incidence of blindness from ROP in developed countries, it remains a major concern, particularly in developing nations where larger premature infants are more susceptible.

ROP is a biphasic disease with two distinct phases:

• Phase 1: Vessel Growth Retardation: This phase occurs from birth to around 30-32 weeks postmenstrual age (gestational age at birth plus weeks since birth). Premature infants have incompletely vascularized retinas, leaving a peripheral avascular zone.
• Phase 2: Vessel Proliferation: During this phase, abnormal blood vessels start to grow in the retina. These vessels are fragile and can bleed easily, potentially leading to scarring and retinal detachment.

Factors influencing ROP development and severity include:

• Gestational age and birth weight: The smaller and more premature the infant, the higher the risk of ROP and the more severe it can be.
• Oxygen levels: Excessive oxygen exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can contribute to ROP.
• Genetic predisposition: Recent studies have identified genes that may play a role in ROP susceptibility.
• Postnatal weight gain: Poor postnatal weight gain has been linked to an increased risk of ROP.

Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing ROP.

Diagnosing ROP in infants requires proper care of newborn eyes. Regular eye examinations by a retina specialist are essential for all premature infants at risk. To detect Retinopathy of Prematurity in its early stage, Madurai Eye Center promotes regular checks that will help patients with the risk factor take the necessary medical treatment in a timely manner.

Treatment Options:

Treatment options depend on the severity of ROP and may include:

• Laser therapy: This procedure uses a laser to destroy the abnormal blood vessels and prevent further growth.
• Anti-VEGF injections: Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications, such as bevacizumab/ ranibizumab are injected into the eye to inhibit the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reattach a detached retina.

Long-term effects of ROP can include:

• Myopia (nearsightedness): Early treatment for ROP does not appear to increase the risk of myopia compared to conventional management.
• Strabismus (crossed eyes): This condition occurs more frequently in infants with more severe ROP.
• Amblyopia (lazy eye): ROP can lead to amblyopia, where one eye has weaker vision than the other.
• Glaucoma: This condition involves increased pressure in the eye and can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss.

Ongoing research is focusing on better understanding the causes of ROP and developing new treatments to prevent vision loss. Early detection, regular eye examinations, and timely treatment are key to improving outcomes for premature infants affected by ROP.

Why Madurai Eye Center?

MEC is an accredited best eye hospital in Coimbatore for early detection and treatment of ROP. It’s one of the renowned institutions in neonatal eye care. Our highly qualified retina specialists diagnose and treat premature baby eye diseases, including ROP. They bring out the advanced diagnostic facility and the latest ROP treatment options.

Conclusion

Retinopathy of Prematurity is a devastating condition that may otherwise severely impair the child’s vision if not detected and treated early. Early detection, prompt diagnosis, and timely intervention are essential in averting permanent long-term loss of vision in premature infants.

The preventive measure, coupled with early diagnosis, is what makes all the difference to your child’s vision. For parents of premature babies, routine eye exams for premature infants and careful vigilance in one’s child’s developing sight will go a long way to securing the future of your child’s sight.

Here at Madurai Eye Center, health and wellbeing form the core concerns of the care given to your child’s eyes for the best possible outcomes in available state-of-the-art treatment combined with compassionate treatment.Give us a call at +91 9626613737 to learn more.