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Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) occurs when the baby’s eye blood vessels develop abnormally due to the baby's blood vessels of the retina didn't fully develop. Retinopathy of prematurity affects only premature babies and most common in premature babies who are 12 weeks early. Therefore the more premature the baby leads a great chance of the baby developing the condition.

When to see the ophthalmologist?

In severe cases of retinopathy of prematurity, bleeding and scar tissues may occur, which results in the retina being damaged. This may reduce the baby's vision or cause blindness which is the worst-case scenario.

Changes in the baby's retina aren't easily detected and can’t be seen by parents. Only an ophthalmologist can detect signs of retinopathy of prematurity with the use of special instruments to examine the baby’s retina. Severe and untreated retinopathy of prematurity may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• White pupils, which is called leukocoria
• Crossed eyes, called strabismus
• Myopia, severe nearsightedness
• Abnormal eye movements, called nystagmus

What does surgery involve?

How ROP is treated depends entirely on its severity. Surgery treatment that Dr Davey may recommend include:

• Laser therapy. This is a commonly used treatment for advanced retinopathy of prematurity. During this procedure, Dr Davey will use a laser beam which is mounted on the indirect ophthalmoscope to burn away the area around the edge of the retina which contains the abnormal vessels and prevents further growth of the abnormal blood vessels. The main goal of this treatment is to save sight in the main part of the visual field.
• During this treatment, Dr Davey will use a pen-like instrument called a cryoprobe, to freeze a portion of the retina's periphery through the outer wall of the eye. This is done to prevent more blood vessels from spreading on the retina.