Is there any treatment for ROP?

Laser therapy. The standard treatment for advanced ROP , laser therapy burns away the area around the edge of the retina, which has no normal blood vessels. This procedure typically saves sight in the main part of the visual field, but at the cost of side (peripheral) vision.

Does ROP go away?

Most babies with a mild to moderate form of ROP see normally for their age. This is because the ROP goes away when the normal blood vessels finish growing. Fortunately, for most babies, mild to moderate ROP does go away without scarring or vision loss.

What are the most common causes of ROP?

All premature babies are at risk for ROP. Premature babies born before 30 weeks of pregnancy are most likely to have it. Blood problems, including low blood oxygen, high carbon dioxide levels in the blood, low blood acidity or having a blood transfusion.

Is ROP test painful?

Although the examination of retinopathy in premature infants is essential for identifying and improving visual acuity in a small percentage but significant number of infants, the available evidence indicates that the screening examination of ROP is usually a painful, uncomfortable, and dangerous method in the NICU (5.

What is ROP surgery?

ROP surgery involves scarring areas on the peripheral retina to stop the abnormal growth and eliminate pulling on the retina. Because surgery focuses on the peripheral retina, some amount of peripheral vision may be lost.

Who is at risk for ROP?

Premature babies are the number-one risk group for retinopathy of prematurity. In general, the smaller and more premature the infant, the more likely he or she is to develop ROP, and the more likely to need treatment.

How is ROP diagnosed?

The only way to determine if babies have ROP is to examine the inside of their eyes for abnormalities in the retina. Ophthalmologists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of ROP will examine your baby’s eyes. During this exam, your baby’s pupils will be dilated with eye drops so the retina can be studied.

Why does oxygen cause ROP?

ROP is believed to occur because of an increase in angiogenic factors caused after a preterm infant is no longer in supplemental oxygen and the avascular retina becomes hypoxic. Therefore, the extent of avascularized retina may be important.