It is a serious disease that is known as the abnormal development of the vessels in the layer of the eye called the retina, which can cause vision problems and blindness in premature and low birth weight babies.
What is ROP?
In a baby born on time, the vessels in the retina of the eye complete their development in the womb, but when the baby is born prematurely and with low birth weight, these vessels are damaged while in the womb. It cannot complete its development and may develop abnormally after birth, causing ROP disease. ROP is a more common problem in premature babies whose gestational age and birth weight are much smaller. The baby's high need for oxygen and the need for long-term oxygen therapy, diseases related to the heart and respiratory system, the need for a respiratory device (mechanical ventilator), the presence of infection, blood transfusion, intracranial bleeding and multiple pregnancies are risk factors that increase the development of ROP disease.
ROP Screening
Since ROP can cause serious vision problems and blindness, screening examinations of babies for the disease must be performed without delay. It is appropriate to screen all premature babies with a gestational age of 32 weeks or less or a birth weight of 1500 grams or less, and premature babies with a gestational age of over 32 weeks or a birth weight of over 1500 grams who have risk factors for ROP. The first ROP examination; It is recommended to perform it at the 31st week of gestation for premature babies with a gestational age of less than 28 weeks, and 4 weeks after birth for premature babies with a gestational age of 28 weeks and above.
ROP Examination
ROP Examination
strong>ROP examination; It should be performed by an ophthalmologist experienced in ROP examination, in the neonatal intensive care unit for hospitalized babies, and in the eye clinic for discharged babies. The baby does not need anesthesia for the examination. Before the examination, pupil-dilating drops are dripped into the baby's eyes to evaluate the retinal layer. Then, a special lens is used in a dark room to evaluate the condition of the retinal vessels and ROP disease, using devices that open the baby's eyelids and position the eye. and examination is carried out with devices. ROP examination is not a one-time examination and checks should continue at intervals recommended by the examining doctor until ROP regresses or the vessels develop completely healthy.
ROP Treatment
In the majority of premature babies diagnosed with ROP, the disease regresses spontaneously and recovers completely. In some babies; The disease progresses and permanent blindness may develop if left untreated or if the disease does not respond to treatment. As preventive treatment, laser treatment and drug treatment with an injection into the eye are applied. Although the chance of success in preventive treatments is high, in some patients the disease may progress despite treatment or treatment-related complications may occur. Surgical treatment is required in advanced patients.
Since the chance of success of treatment is lower in advanced disease, it is important to perform ROP screening examinations on time so that the disease can be detected early and preventive treatment can be applied in a timely manner.
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