Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP)

Introduction:

If a premature baby weighs less than 1500 grams (3 lbs. 5 oz.), there is a danger that the eyes will get damaged. If a baby weighs less than 1000 grams (2 1/5 lbs.) more than 80% of them will develop retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). As this link explains this condition developed as a result of prolonged exposure to 100% oxygen that was given in the past for breathing problems with premature babies.

In this case the normal development of the eye stops and an abnormal blood vessel growth occurs. In today's high risk premature nurseries eye specialists and neonatologists are examining the eyes of premature babies all the time and watch very closely that oxygen is not given at too high a concentration.

Signs and symptoms:

Depending on how much new vascular growth occurred, vision can be impaired more or less.

Diagnostic tests:

These children need to be seen by an eye doctor on a frequent basis with ophthalmological examinations .They are more prone to myopia, lazy eyes (amblyopia) and strabismus. If there are scarred retinal folds, the child will be more prone later in life to have retinal detachments. Yearly examinations even when there has been a good outcome should be done to prevent later problems.

Treatment:

It has already been shown and it is being studied further how much early treatment of ROP benefits patients. Here is a link with other procedures such as cryopexy and others to treat the excessive proliferation of blood vessels in an attempt to prevent retinal detachment and blindness later in life.

Home Page

Eye Diseases

Retinal Problems

Disclaimer:

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References:

2. Eye conditions: http://www.stlukeseye.com/Conditions/

3. Karolinska Institute Library eye disease links

Last Modified: Jan. 21, 2008