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.
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