Eye Screening for Premature Babies

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the retina that can occur in premature babies. The retina is the thin, light-sensitive tissue that lines the inside surface of the eye. Cells in the retina convert incoming light into electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are carried by the optic nerve to the brain, which finally interprets them as visual images. ROP is classified by the part of the retina affected (zone), the degree of involvement (stage), and the appearance of the blood vessels (presence or absence of "plus" disease).

 Individuals with ROP are considered to be at higher risk for developing certain eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment, myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), and glaucoma. In many cases, these eye problems can be treated or controlled. Thus, it is important for patients with a history of ROP to have regular dilated eye examinations by an ophthalmologist even after the ROP has regressed.

1. Baby of Madhavi born in 27 week of gestation, weighing 1000 gms male baby was evaluated in 8^th week post birth. The baby was diagnosed to have Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in stage 2 in zone 1 with plus disease in both eyes. The baby underwent both eyes laser treatment on 04.12.2017. As on 30.12.2017; the baby is doing well and ROP has regressed post laser treatment.
2.  Baby of Reena born in 30 week of gestation, weighing 1200 gms female baby was evaluated in 6^th week post birth. The fundus pictures showed presence of ROP in left eye in stage 2 in Zone 2; right eye was within normal limits. The baby was advised to review after 1 week. The baby was reviewed on 11.12.2017; fundus pictures showed presence of ROP in both eyes in stage 2 in zone 2 with plus disease. The baby was advised for early laser intervention to both eyes to avascular retina. The baby underwent both eyes laser treatment on 14.12.2017. As on 05.02.2018; the baby is doing well and ROP has regressed post laser treatment.
3.  Baby of Leela Bai born in 30 week of gestation, weighing 1300 gms male babywas evaluated in 2^nd week post birth; the fundus pictures were within normal limits. The baby was advised to review after 2 weeks as retina was vascularized beyond equator in both eyes. The baby was reviewed on 11.12.2017; fundus pictures showed presence of ROP in stage 2 in Zone 2 with plus disease; left eye in stage 2 in zone 2 with no plus disease. The baby was advised for early laser intervention to both eyes to avascular retina. The baby underwent both eyes laser treatment on 14.12.2017. As on 08.01.2018; the baby is doing well and ROP has regressed post laser treatment.
4. Baby of Nilafar born in 26 week of gestation, weighing 850 gms female baby. The baby was evaluated in 2^nd week post birth; there was no presence of ROP. The baby was on close review to monitor the ROP status. When the baby was reviewed in 6^th week; the fundus pictures showed Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in stage 2 in zone 1 with plus vascularisation close to fovea. (Choroid vascularises at 6 weeks, Retinal Vascularisation starts at optic nerve head at 16 week gestation. Vascularisation is almost complete by term). The Baby was advised for administration of Antivegf intravitreal injection - Accentrix to both eyes at the earliest. Antibody binds the VEGF inside the eye almost immediately. The baby was administered Antivegf injection to both eyes on 15.01.2018. As on 24.02.2018; the eye quite and has been advised for close observation.