Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) because the premature’s reintas are not fully developed with regard to blood supply.

The last 12 weeks of a full-term pregnancy are an especially active time for the growth of the eye. When a baby is born prematurely blood vessels have not grown to the edge of the retina. Abnormal new blood vessels form and cause bleeding and detachment of the retina. The condition is especially common in very small babies who are one or two pounds at birth.

Despite improved medical care, the disease still occurs because smaller and sicker infants are surviving.

Fortunately many cases get better without treatment and only a small number of children go blind. Freezing (cryotherapy) or laser treatments may be effective in stemming progression of the disease.

Children with ROP are more likely to develop nearsightedness and amblyopia (lazy eye). Glasses, patching, and eye muscle surgery can help these associated problems. Follow-up exams of severely affected children should continue throughout life.

Laser Photocoagulation for ROP

Today, laser photocoagulation is the most common treatment for retinopathy of prematurity. Compared to other treatments, such as cryotherapy, laser photocoagulation is less traumatic for the infant and is associated with fewer complications. That is because there is less swelling, probably less damage to other areas of the eye, less need for narcotics and post surgical ventilators. In addition, it causes less pain to the baby, takes less time to complete and involves less anesthesia.

For infants in whom other treatments are ineffective to prevent retinal detachment due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a surgical technique called "scleral buckle" is used.

More recently, a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy is performed.

During vitrectomy for ROP, it may be necessary to remove the lens of the eye.

Vitrectomy for ROP is not always successful. Remember that this is a surgery used in late-stage ROP, when much damage has already occurred.

The most important way to avoid surgery for ROP is to have your premature infant screened before leaving the hospital.

Late-Onset Retinal Detachment after ROP

Children and young adults with a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) need to have annual retinal examinations to check for late-onset retinal detachments. This condition occurs as the eye matures and small tears or scars, formed in infancy as a result of the ROP, cause the retina to detach from the inside wall of the eye, even in middle age.