Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP) Specialist

What is ROP?

Babies born before 32 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of being born with underdeveloped retinas. This can lead to the growth of abnormal blood vessels, which can damage the retina and cause blindness. When untreated, ROP can cause retinal detachment.

Only around 14,000 newborns are affected by ROP each year. In many cases, ROP gets better on its own with no permanent damage or vision loss. About 10% of infants with ROP need medical treatment, and 4% of infants with ROP will become legally blind.

In addition to premature birth, your baby’s risk of ROP increases if they have a low birth weight, poor weight gain, or anemia. Having breathing difficulties or needing a blood transfusion can increase your infant’s risk of ROP.

How is ROP diagnosed?

All infants born before 32 weeks or with a birth weight of less than 3.3 pounds (1,500 grams) are screened for ROP. Your ophthalmologist dilates your infant’s pupils to examine their retinas. They look for signs of undeveloped retinal tissue, an uneven ridge in the retina, and abnormal blood vessels.

The presence and severity of these signs help your ophthalmologist determine how to best treat your baby and protect their vision.

How is ROP treated?

If your baby is diagnosed with ROP, you must continue to have their eyes checked until ROP is resolved. In most cases, ophthalmologists take a wait-and-see approach. They monitor the development of your baby’s retinas and recommend treatment if it becomes necessary.

In more severe cases, the ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants, Ltd. offer laser therapy and medication.

Laser therapy is the standard treatment for ROP. Laser treatments get rid of the abnormal blood vessels that can damage and scar the retina. The ophthalmologists might also recommend medication instead of or in addition to laser treatment. The drug stops the growth of abnormal blood vessels.

If your infant develops retinal detachment, the ophthalmologists at Retina Consultants Ltd. can resort to surgery, including vitrectomy and scleral buckling, to reattach the retina and preserve your baby’s vision.

If your baby is at risk of ROP or you’re looking for ophthalmologists with experience in managing ROP, call Retina Consultants Ltd. or make an appointment online today.