Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

A small step towards preventing infant blindness....

- Dr. K. Bhujang Shetty

Premature infants that are born prior to 34 weeks of gestation (6 weeks before their due date) are at increased risk of developing various health complications when compared to infants that are born full-term (37-40 weeks of gestation). One such risk is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a disorder of the developing retinal blood vessels in the eye. ROP is the leading cause of childhood blindness in premature babies that are born too soon or those with low birth weight. In India, babies who are born less than 2000 grams (2 kgs) or 6 weeks before their due date (34 weeks of gestation) are at risk of developing ROP.

Risk factors for developing Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) The two biggest risk factors for developing ROP are premature birth (most common in babies born more than 12 weeks early) and a low birth weight (most common in 11% -56% of preterm infants with low birth weight). A baby's eyes develop the most during the last 3 months of pregnancy in the womb. When a baby is born early, the development of the retina is incomplete and there is a risk that the blood vessels which supply oxygen to the eye may not grow normally, which can lead to ROP.

Other than premature birth and low birth weight, many other factors can place these babies at higher risk of ROP. This includes prolonged use of oxygen (for their lungs), sepsis (blood infection), blood transfusion, jaundice, low weight gain, low platelets, anaemia (low haemoglobin), intraventricular haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), etc.

If baby was born premature, you may have concerns about ROP affecting child's vision. It is recommended for an ROP screening a few weeks after delivery (first screening before 30 days after birth or earlier) for premature babies and babies that weigh less than 2 kgs at birth, and before they are discharged from the hospital. Timely diagnosis and early treatment can improve the chances of preserving vision.