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Paediatic Retinal Services |
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Paediatic Retinal Services
Take Care of Your Premature Baby’s Vision
Why should I worry about the eyes of a Premature baby?
The inside of the eye (the retina) is not fully developed in a premature baby
due to the early birth. Abnormal blood Vessels can develop in such a retina;
this can cause bleeding inside the eye and even progress to retinal detachment.
This is called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). The result is irreversible low
vision or blindness.
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How can we detect ROP?
A trained ophthalmologist can detect ROP by dilating the pupils of the eye
using eye drops. An indirect ophthalmoscope is used to scan the entire retina to
detect ROP and gauge the state of retinal maturity
Do all babies need a retinal examination for ROP?
Babies with a birth weight of less than 1700 gm or those born at less than 35
weeks of pregnancy are most likely to have ROP |
Any other preterm baby who has had problems after birth (lack of oxygen /
infection / blood transfusion / breathing trouble ete.) is also vulnerable.
Is it too late for my baby’s eyes?
Follow the “Day -30” Strategy.
The retinal examination should be completed before “day -30” of the life of a
premature baby.
It should preferably be done earlier (at 2 - 3 weeks of birth)in very low
weight babies (< 1200 gm birth Weight).
What is the treatment for ROP?
ROP is treated with laser rays or a freezing treatment (cryopexy). The
treatment helps stop further growth of abnormal vessels thus preventing vision
loss.
How often should the retina be exmined?
ROP can progress in 7 – 14 days and, therefore, needs a close follow-up till
the retina matures.
When should we treat ROP?
ROP needs to be treated as soon as it reaches a critical stage called
threshold ROP. There is a 50% or greater risk of vision loss left untreated
after this. Time is crucial !
After treatment
If treated on time, the child expected to have reasonably good vision.
All premature babies need regular eye examinations till they start going to
school.
They may need glasses or treatment for lazy eyes / cross – eyes and,
sometimes, for cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment. |
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