Eye Screening for Premature Babies

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the eye affecting prematurely born babies generally having received intensive neonatal care, in which oxygen therapy is used on them due to the premature development of their lungs. ROP can be mild and may resolve spontaneously, but it may lead to blindness in serious cases.

As such, all preterm babies are at risk for ROP, and very low birth-weight is an additional risk factor. Both oxygen toxicity and relative hypoxia can contribute to the development of ROP. During development, blood vessels grow from the central part of the retina outwards. This process is completed a few weeks before the normal time of delivery. However, in premature babies it is incomplete. If blood vessels grow normally, ROP does not occur. If the vessels grow and branch abnormally the baby develops ROP. These abnormal blood vessels may grow up from the plane of the retina and may bleed inside the eye. When the blood and abnormal vessels are reabsorbed, it may give rise to multiple bands like membranes which can pull up the retina, causing detachment of the retina and eventually blindness before 6 months.

1. Mst.Mohammed born in 26 week of gestation, weighing 1000 gms male baby. The baby was diagnosed to have ROP in stage 2 in zone 1 (location of the disease in the eye) both eyes and was treated with timely laser intervention. As on 21^st November 2017 the ROP has regressed in both eyes.
2. Baby of Mallamma (Twin I & II) born in 32 week of gestation, both weighing 1500 gms male babies.The babies were diagnosed to have Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in stage 2 in zone 2 with plus disease in both eyes. The babies were treated with laser intervention.
3. Baby of Rohini born in 29 week of gestation, weighing 1700 gms male baby. The baby was diagnosed to have APROP (Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity). The baby was treated with timely intervention of laser treatment.
4. Baby of Sandya born in 30 week of gestation, weighing 1240 gms female baby was diagnosed to have ROP in stage 3 ROP with plus disease. Right eye showed pre-retinal haemorrhages. The baby was treated with laser intervention. As on 29.11.2017; ROP is regressing, pre-retinal haemorrhage is present and has been advised for close monitoring.

Jewel of the body safeguarded with timely treatment.