Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Screening & Treatment
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a potentially sight-threatening eye condition that affects premature or low-birth-weight infants. Our Paediatric/Retina ophthalmology departments provide specialized, gentle ROP screening and early intervention to protect your baby’s developing vision.
Who Needs ROP Screening?
- Premature Babies: Infants born at or before 31–32 weeks of gestation.
- Low Birth Weight: Babies born weighing 1,500 grams (approx. 3.3 lbs) or less.
- High-Risk Infants: Babies with complex post-natal medical courses or high oxygen therapy requirements, as recommended by the paediatrician/neonatologist.
What to Expect During the Screening
- Safe & Gentle Examination: A paediatric retina specialist carefully examines your baby's retinal blood vessels using specialized dilating eye drops, an indirect ophthalmoscope, and a paediatric retinal imaging system (Neo).
- Timely Monitoring: Newborn screening is usually carried out 20 to 30 days after birth, with the exact timing adjusted based on the baby's health condition and repeated regularly according to how mature the retinal vessels are.
- Early Detection: Screening identifies abnormal blood vessel growth at the earliest stages, allowing for proactive, vision-saving care.
Advanced Treatment Options
If treatment is required to prevent vision loss, we offer advanced, minimally invasive therapies:
Laser Photocoagulation
Targeted laser therapy to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels.
Anti-VEGF Injections:
Specialized anti-growth factor medications administered directly into the eye to stabilize retinal blood vessel development.
Protect Your Baby's Sight
Early detection is critical in managing ROP successfully. Consult with our paediatric retina specialists to schedule a timely ROP evaluation for your infant.
