Retinopathy of Prematurity
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), also known as retrolental fibroplasia, is a potentially blinding condition affecting the retina of newborns. In the 1950's it was associated with the use of high amounts of oxygen in neonatal units. Today, modern neonatal care has curbed the incidence, yet because the survival rate of low birth weight infants is much higher, the exposure of surviving babies to required oxygen levels is increasing. The factors that put infants at greatest risk of developing ROP are low birth weight (less than 3.5 pounds) and premature delivery (26-28 weeks).

In babies born prematurely, the growth and development of normal blood vessels in the retina is halted and abnormal vessels may begin to develop. The problem with abnormal vessel growth, known as neovascularization, is that it does not deliver adequate oxygen supply to the retina. In addition, it may cause many secondary problems.

ROP is classified in 5 stages, depending on the extent of the disease. Progression of the disease to later stages can lead to the formation of scar tissue in the retina and complications such as: retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, strabismus, and amblyopia. Many children with ROP develop nearsightedness

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Because newborns cannot communicate their symptoms, parents, neonatologists, pediatricians and ophthalmologists are keenly aware of risk factors for ROP.

•Low birth weight (3.5 pounds or less)
•The need for any oxygen within the first week after birth
•Unstable health immediately after birth
Children with ROP as infants should be watched for the following symptoms that could signal underlying problems that may not surface until later:

•Holding objects very close
•Difficulty seeing distant objects
•Favoring or winking one eye
•Reluctance to use one eye
•Poor vision (previously undetected by the physician)
•Sudden decrease of vision
•Crossed or turned eye
DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS
Infants at risk for ROP should have an ophthalmic examination at approximately 4-6 weeks of age. After instilling a series of dilating drops in each eye, the doctor examines the retina with an ophthalmoscope. The exam is often performed while a parent holds the child.

Regardless of whether treatment is required, children should be re-examined at recommended intervals to determine if the progression of the disease has halted, or whether treatment is required.

TREATMENT
Some children who develop only stage 1-2 of the disease improve with no treatment. In other cases, treatment is required if it reaches threshold. This is a term that indicates the presence of stage 3 changes.

To prevent the proliferation of abnormal vascularization, areas of the retina may be frozen with a technique called cryotherapy. Alternatively, laser may be used for the same purpose. Both treatments leave permanent scars in the peripheral retina, but they are often successful in preserving central vision.

New View Optometric Center's Eye Doctor and Staff Provide
Quality Eye Care and Personalized Service You Can Trust

newview Eye Care Optometry

OFFICE HOURS: 
MON By Appt. Only
TUE By Appt. Only
WED By Appt. Only
THU By Appt. Only
FRI Closed
SAT Closed
SUN Closed





Ready for the next step?
Call Today (619) 465-7900

New View Optometric Center in La Mesa California
Welcome to New View Optometric Center. We provide premium quality eye care and technically advanced, Comprehensive Eye Health Exams and fashion forward affordable Designer Frames, Eyeglasses and Designer Sunglasses in a friendly environment to you, your family, and friends.

We aspire to enhance the quality of your life by supplying custom optical solutions designed to address the complex visual requirements present in today's society. At New View, we strive at every opportunity to demonstrate and impress our patients with technical knowledge, mechanical expertise and customer service.

Together, we will discuss your concerns, gather information about your eye health, lifestyle and needs, propose a solution, confirm your visual performance and verify that we have exceeded your overall expectations.

Call (619) 465-7900 today to schedule your Eye health and Vision appointment with our experienced eye care providers at our La Mesa California Optometrist office and give your vision the level of care and attention it deserves.

facebook twitter


New View Optometric Center 7339 El Cajon Blvd Suite G La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone: (619) 465-7900 Fax: (619) 465-1642

© 2024 All content is the property of New View Optometric Center ™ & assoc. vendors.
Website Powered and Developed by EyeVertise.com