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Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)What is Retinopathy of Prematurity?Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) refers to the presence of abnormal blood vessels and scar tissue growing within and over the retina. The retina is the light detecting layer of cells inside the eye. This condition primarily affects premature babies weighing less than three pounds at birth. ROP can be detected in the neonatal care unit or nursery by an ophthalmologist during an ophthalmoscopic examination of the infant's dilated eye. What causes ROP?The causes are complex, and not completely understood. It was once thought that oxygen was entirely responsible for all causes of ROP. Newer evidence indicates this is not true. Factors which appear to influence this condition are primarily the degree of prematurity and birth weight. For example, the chance of a baby who weighs three pounds at birth developing ROP is about 5%, but increases to 40% or more for an infant weighing less than two pounds. The retinal blood vessels in a very small, premature baby seem to develop abnormally during the therapy necessary for the infant's survival after birth. Will ROP affect vision?When the diagnosis is first made, it is difficult to predict how much the eyesight will be affected. In many infants, the abnormal vessels shrink or go away without affecting vision. In others with more extensive disease, bleeding and scar tissue may lead to distortion or detachment of the retina. This may result in moderate to severe loss of vision. Only a small percentage of babies become blind. Myopia (nearsightedness) is common in children with ROP. Glasses may improve the vision, unless the eye is badly damaged. Can ROP be prevented?The sophisticated medical care provided in NICUs has improved the survival chances of very small babies, thus, ROP has become more common in this group. Unfortunately, laboratory and clinical research has not yet found a way to prevent ROP in all babies. Can ROP be treated?Some babies' eyes with ROP do well without any treatment. In more severe cases, laser treatment shows promising results. The laser treats the peripheral areas of the retina. When successful, the treatment can slow down or reverse the abnormal blood vessel growth and scar tissue. Still, there is some risk with laser therapy of serious visual loss. The long-term effects of laser therapy are not known, but research studies are being conducted to answer this question.
It may be necessary for an ophthalmologist to examine a baby frequently while the infant is in the neonatal intensive care unit or nursery before he or she can recommend therapy, if needed. Factors for therapy consideration are location, progression, and severity of the ROP. Improper followup may result in blindness.
If severe disease results in detachment of the retina, more complex surgical intervention can sometimes restore limited vision. Complications such as glaucoma and misaligned eyes (strabismus) may also require surgery later in life. As the baby grows, regular eye examinations are necessary.
For more information, please contact the patient advisor by phone at 330-747-2733 or by email at info@eyecareassociates.com.
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Disclaimer: The intent of this website is to educate users about eye care. Information found on this website is not intended to replace medical advice. Questions about treatment information should be addressed by your physician. |