The joy of parenthood often gets overshadowed by complications that no one can predict. However, due to the advancement of medical technologies, we can prevent a whole lot of serious conditions babies can develop—within and outside the womb. One such serious condition is retinopathy of prematurity.
So, what is it and how can you counter it?
About Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
The retina is a fragile tissue lining the inside of the eye at the back. It detects light and allows us to see. When the retinal blood vessels are affected, it causes ROP.
ROP is common in premature babies who weigh less than 1500 grams at birth. The condition is often mild and improves without treatment. If it worsens and isn’t treated in time, ROP can affect the baby’s vision and cause blindness.
Why ROP occurs is not known. If a baby is born prematurely, the retinal blood vessels aren’t completely developed. After birth, the blood vessels are triggered and they begin to grow abnormally. This growth leads to scar tissue and if it's severe, it can damage the retina.
However, some premature babies who don’t have serious illnesses can also develop ROP. Therefore, it’s important to screen every baby under 1501 grams birthweight or under 32 weeks gestation.
Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity Explained
Doctors employ 5 stages of ROP to determine how severe a case is. The stages range from mild to severe. Let’s break it down.
Stage 1 & Stage 2
Babies in Stage 1 and Stage 2 often improve without treatment and go on to have healthy vision. Doctors will carefully watch the babies to see if their ROP worsens.
Stage 3
Similar to the first two stages, babies that develop Stage 3 can improve without treatment and have healthy vision. However, some babies need treatment to stop the abnormal blood vessels from damaging the retina. If the retina is damaged, it can cause retinal detachment, which is an eye problem that causes vision loss.
Stage 4
Babies in Stage 4 have a partially detached retina and require treatment.
Stage 5
In Stage 5, there is complete retinal detachment. Even with ongoing treatment, babies might not recover vision.
Both Stage 4 and Stage 5 are serious. Babies in these stages usually require surgery. However, even with treatment, they can lose their vision. This is why doctors usually proceed with treatment from Stage 3.
It’s also feasible for ROP to worsen quickly at any stage. Therefore, it’s important to schedule follow-up exams for your baby. Early detection of retinopathy of prematurity and treating it is the best way to lower the risk of serious problems.
Impact of Early Detection of Retinopathy of Prematurity
The formation of abnormal blood vessels in ROP often causes no harm and needs no special treatment other than regular monitoring. Nearly 90% of babies with ROP improve without treatment and have normal vision. In cases where it worsens and threatens the baby’s vision, timely treatment is crucial. Early detection and treatment prevent permanent retinal damage and vision loss.
Thus, screenings for at-risk babies after birth are heavily recommended. These screenings check for signs of ROP and determine when a baby requires treatment. Book an appointment at Laxmi Netralaya for optimal ROP treatment.