Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 1250 grams or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (A full-term pregnancy has a gestation of 38–42 weeks). The smaller a baby is at birth, the more likely that baby is to develop ROP. This disorder which usually develops in both eyes is one of the most common causes of visual loss in childhood and can lead to lifelong vision impairment and blindness.
In addition to birth weight and how early a baby is born, other factors contributing to the risk of ROP include anemia, blood transfusions, respiratory distress, breathing difficulties, and the overall health of the infant.
The most effective proven treatments for ROP are laser therapy or cryotherapy. Laser therapy “burns away” the periphery of the retina, which has no normal blood vessels. While ROP treatment decreases the chances for vision loss, it does not always prevent it. Not all babies respond to ROP treatment, and the disease may get worse. If treatment for ROP does not work, a retinal detachment may develop.
1. 11 month old male baby was seen at our hospital on 18.01.2018. Baby is a preterm baby born at 32 weeks of gestation. The child’s parents informed of noticing white reflex in both eyes since 2 months. During visual acuity examination the child was not able to fix and follow light in both eyes. Anterior segment examination showed white reflex in both eyes. B-scan was done to know the status of retina. The test showed bilateral funnel retinal detachment secondary to ROP. As child was uncooperative for detailed examination, the child was suggested for EXAMINATION UNDER ANAESTHESIA.
The findings of the examination were as below:-
Right eye – stage 4 ROP
Left eye – Stage 5 ROP with closed funnel retinal detachment
ADVICE:-
The child underwent the above suggested surgery on 16.03.2018. As on 18.05.2018 the baby has been advised to review after 1 month for visual assessment.
2. A female baby born in 25 week of gestation weighing 660 gms was evaluated on 12.02.2018; the baby was diagnosed to have Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in stage 2 in zone 1 with plus disease. The baby was advised for laser intervention at the earliest. The baby had conjunctivitis; it was treated with topical drops for clear of infection and the baby underwent both eyes laser treatment on 15.02.2018. As on 17.03.2018; ROP has regressed in both eyes post laser treatment and the baby is doing well. Baby has been advised to review after 2 weeks.
3. A female baby born in 29 week of gestation weighing 760 gms was evaluated on 19.02.2018; The fundus photos did not show presence of ROP and the baby was advised for review after 2 weeks. The baby was reviewed on 19.03.2018; diagnosed to have ROP Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in stage 2 in zone 2 with plus disease. The baby was advised for laser intervention to both eyes to avascular retina. The baby underwent both eyes laser treatment on 24.03.2018.
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