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Timely treatment preserves baby’s vision -A case story
Why
Should I worry about the eyes of a premature baby?
The inside of the eye, the retina is not fully developed
in premature babies, abnormal blood vessels can develop in
such a retina. This abnormal blood vessels can cause internal
bleeding and even retinal detachment. This is called Retinopathy
of Prematurity (ROP). This condition results in low vision
or blindness - both of which are irreversible.
How can we detect ROP?
A trained ophthalmologist can detect ROP by dilating
the pupils of the eye, using eye drops. An indirect ophthalmoscope
is used to scan the entire retina to detect ROP and gauge
the state of retinal maturity.
Do
all babies need a retinal examination for ROP?
Babies with a birth weight of less than 1700 grams or
those born at less than 35 weeks of pregnancy are most likely
to have ROP.
Any other pre-term baby who has had problems after birth (lack
of Oxygen/ infection/ blood transfusion/ breathing trouble
etc.,)is also vulnerable.
Is
it too late for my baby's eyes?
Follow the "Day-30" strategy. The retinal examination
should be completed before "day-30" of the life of a premature
baby. It should preferably be done earlier (at 2-3 weeks of
birth) in very low weight babies (<1200 grams birth weight).
What is the treatment
for ROP?
ROP is treated with Laser rays or a freezing treatment
(Cryopexy). The treatment helps stop further growth of abnormal
vessels thus preventing vision loss.
How
often should the retina be examined?
ROP can progress in 7-14 days and, therefore, needs
a close follow-up till the retina matures.
When should we treat
ROP?
ROP needs to be treated as soon as it reaches a critical
stage called Threshold ROP. There is 50% or greater risk of
vision loss if left untreated after this. Time is crucial!
After treatment
If treated in time, the child is expected to have reasonably
good vision. All premature babies need regular eye examinations
till they start going to school.
They may need glasses or treatment for lazy eyes/ cross-eyes
and sometimes, for cataract, glaucoma and retinal detachment.
Faculty
Details
Subhadra Jalali
Anjli Hussain
Jyoti Matalia
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