ROP

ROP

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disease that can happen in babies who are premature (born early) — or who weigh less than 2.5 kg at birth. ROP happens when abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye). Some babies with ROP have mild cases and get better without treatment. But some babies need treatment to protect their vision and prevent blindness.

Normally, the blood vessels of the retina start to develop in the fourth month of pregnancy and finish developing around the due date, or 9 months of pregnancy. If a baby is born very early, these blood vessels may stop developing normally. The retina then develops new blood vessels that are abnormal. This is called retinal neovascularization, or NV. These abnormal blood vessels can grow in the wrong direction. The blood vessels are attached to the retina — so if they grow too far in the wrong direction, they can pull the retina up off the back of the eye. This is a type of retinal detachment

Symptoms

If you have ROP, you may observe

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Abnormal eye appearance

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White pupils

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Sensitivity to light

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Strabismus (crossed or misaligned eyes)

Benefits of ROP at Sarvdrishti Hospital:

Early Detection:

ROP screening allows for the early detection of abnormalities in the blood vessels of the retina, which is crucial in preventing vision loss. By identifying ROP at its earliest stages, our experienced team can initiate timely treatment to prevent the progression of the disease.

Preventing Vision Loss:

One of the significant benefits of ROP treatment is preventing vision loss. With timely intervention, we can manage ROP effectively and reduce the risk of severe vision impairment or blindness. Our team employs state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and advanced treatment techniques to provide the best possible care for your child's eyesight.

Individualized Treatment Plans:

At Sarvdrishti EYE Hospital, we believe in providing personalized care for every child with ROP. Our expert ophthalmologists carefully evaluate each case and develop tailored treatment plans based on the severity and stage of the disease. This approach ensures that your child receives the most appropriate and effective treatment for their specific condition.

Collaborative Approach:

We understand the importance of involving parents and caregivers in the ROP treatment journey. Our team maintains open lines of communication, providing education, guidance, and support throughout the process. We believe that a collaborative approach helps parents make informed decisions and actively participate in their child's eye health.

Long-term Vision Care:

Sarvdrishti EYE Hospital is committed to providing comprehensive long-term vision care for children with ROP. Our team conducts regular follow-up visits, monitors progress, and provides necessary interventions as required. We strive to ensure that your child's visual development progresses optimally, enabling them to achieve their full potential.

Treatments for ROP

Observation In mild cases of ROP, where the condition is expected to resolve on its own, regular monitoring of the infant's eyes is recommended. Ophthalmologists will closely examine the retina and monitor the progression of ROP.

Laser Photocoagulation: Laser treatment is often used for more advanced stages of ROP. This procedure involves using a laser to create small burns on the peripheral areas of the retina. These burns help to decrease the abnormal blood vessel growth and reduce the risk of retinal detachment.

Anti-VEGF Injections: In some cases, anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medications may be used. These medications are injected into the eye to block the growth of abnormal blood vessels and reduce the risk of complications.

Vitrectomy: In cases where there is severe retinal detachment or scarring, a surgical procedure called vitrectomy may be necessary. During this procedure, the vitreous gel is removed from the eye, and the retina is reattached or repaired..

FAQ-ROP Surgery at Sarvdrishti Hospital

ROP surgery refers to the surgical procedures performed to treat advanced stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). It is typically recommended when the abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina progresses to a point where there is a risk of retinal detachment or severe vision loss.

The need for ROP surgery is determined based on the severity and progression of the disease. Ophthalmologists specializing in ROP carefully evaluate the extent of abnormal blood vessel growth, the presence of retinal detachment, and other factors to determine the appropriate time and type of surgery.

Yes, ROP surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, especially in infants. Anesthesia ensures that the child remains still and comfortable during the procedure. The anesthesia team monitors the child's vital signs throughout the surgery.

After ROP surgery, the child will be monitored closely for a period of time to ensure proper healing and assess the response to treatment. Regular follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor the child's eye health and visual development. It is important to adhere to the post-operative care instructions provided by the ophthalmologist.

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with ROP surgery. These can include infection, bleeding, retinal detachment, and changes in refractive error. However, the benefits of surgery often outweigh the risks in advanced cases of ROP where the potential for vision loss is high.