The eyes are one of the most important sense organs in our body and we have to be very careful with them. Moreover, when it is about babies’ you need to be more careful. Retinopathy of Prematurity is an eye disease that is very common among babies and you need to know about this properly if your baby is also prematurely born.
What is Retinopathy of Prematurity?
Retinopathy of Prematurity happens to babies who are lowbirth weight or are prematurely born. In this disease, the retina grows abnormal blood vessels around it. Sometimes, ROP can be healed naturally, however, in some cases serious treatment is needed.
What are the Symptoms of Retinopathy of Prematurity?
Generally, ROP in the initial stage does not show any symptoms. However, when it turns worse, you may notice a white reflex in your baby’s eyes. This indicates the severity of the disease, as gradually your baby can become blind. Some symptoms that you can consider signs of ROP are as follows:
- Your baby is failing to recognize faces
- The pupil of your baby turns white
- They fail to follow objects visually
- Unusual eye movements
What are the Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity?
The disease is classified into 5 different parts. These are as follows:
- Stage 1 and Stage 2
The disease is mild in these stages and can get naturally healed without any treatment. Generally, doctors monitor babies in this stage.
- Stage 3
Stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity also can be treated naturally. However, some babies may get into worse conditions and need serious care.
- Stage 4
In this stage, babies start to get detached retinas and other severe consequences and they need proper treatment.
- Stage 5
Stage 5 is considered the most severe stage of the disease. In this stage, babies get blind even after treatment.
What is the Treatment of Retinopathy of Prematurity?
The treatment procedures are as follows:
- Laser Treatment: In the advanced stage of ROP babies will go through laser therapy. It prevents the disease from spreading.
- Surgery: Vitrectomy and scleral buckle surgery are two types of surgeries available for ROP. However, in the advanced stages, surgery only prevents the disease. Some babies also get blind even after surgery.
- Injections: Injecting anti-VEGF medicines are another treatment option for this disease. This medicine blocks the growth of blood vessels.
Conclusion
Hope you have got a clear idea about retinopathy of prematurity. Though the treatment is available you need to be very careful as the disease hardly gets cured. You need to understand the symptoms and proceed with the treatment as soon as possible after identifying the disease.