Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is one of the most important and preventable causes of childhood blindness. As neonatal care improves, the survival rate of premature babies increases—making early ROP screening more essential than ever. Dr. Maneesh Dhupper, a leading retina specialist at Gobind Eye Care Centre, provides expert diagnosis, screening, and treatment for ROP to safeguard the vision of premature infants.
What Is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)?
Retinopathy of Prematurity is an eye disorder caused by abnormal development of retinal blood vessels in premature or low-birth-weight infants. Since the retina is still developing at the time of premature birth, its blood vessels may grow irregularly, leading to scarring, retinal detachment, and even permanent vision loss.
Who Is at Risk?
- Babies born before 32 weeks
- Babies weighing less than 1500 grams (1.5 kg)
- Infants who required oxygen therapy or had prolonged NICU stay
- Babies with sepsis, respiratory distress, or poor postnatal weight gain
Why Early ROP Screening Is Critical
Early and regular ROP eye examinations can save a baby’s eyesight. ROP often shows no external symptoms, making timely screening by an experienced ROP specialist essential.
At Gobind Eye Care Centre, Dr. Maneesh Dhupper conducts ROP screening using state-of-the-art imaging systems and international screening guidelines.
Recommended Screening Timeline
- Initial ROP screening typically begins at 4 weeks after birth or 32 weeks post-menstrual age, whichever is later.
- Follow-up screenings continue until:
- The retina matures, or
ROP is detected and treated
Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity
ROP develops in five stages, from mild to severe:
Stage 1 – Mild ROP
Slightly abnormal blood vessel growth. Often resolves naturally.
Stage 2 – Moderate ROP
More pronounced vessel abnormalities. Many cases still resolve without intervention.
Stage 3 – Severe ROP
Abnormal blood vessels begin growing toward the eye’s center. Treatment is often required.
Stage 4 – Partial Retinal Detachment
Urgent treatment needed to prevent total vision loss.
Stage 5 – Complete Retinal Detachment
Leads to total blindness if untreated.
Signs & Symptoms of ROP
ROP rarely shows external symptoms, but severe or untreated ROP may lead to:
- White pupils (leukocoria)
- Abnormal eye movements
- Severe nearsightedness (myopia)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Nystagmus (shaky eyes)
- Vision impairment
Because the disease is silent early on, routine ROP screening is essential for all premature babies.
Diagnosis of ROP at Gobind Eye Care Centre
At Gobind Eye Care Centre, ROP is diagnosed using:
- Indirect ophthalmoscopy
These advanced technologies allow Dr. Maneesh Dhupper to identify ROP at the earliest stage and intervene promptly.
Treatment Options for Retinopathy of Prematurity
Treatment depends on the severity and progression of ROP:
1. Laser Photocoagulation
- Standard treatment for threshold ROP
- Prevents abnormal blood vessel growth
- Performed safely for premature infants
2. Anti-VEGF Injections
- Minimally invasive injections
- Used for aggressive posterior ROP (AP-ROP)
- Helps reduce abnormal blood vessel growth
3. Vitreo-Retinal Surgery
- Required in advanced stages (Stage 4 & Stage 5)
- Includes Scleral Buckling or Vitrectomy
- Aims to reattach the retina and preserve vision
4. Long-Term Management
- Regular follow-ups
- Prescription of glasses for myopia
- Treatment for strabismus or amblyopia
- Tracking developmental visual milestones
Can ROP Be Prevented?
While ROP cannot always be prevented, risks can be minimized by:
- Proper oxygen management in NICU
- Maintaining adequate nutrition
- Ensuring timely ROP screening
- Close monitoring by neonatologists and eye specialists
The key to preventing blindness from ROP is early detection and timely treatment.
Why Choose Gobind Eye Care Centre for ROP Treatment?
Gobind Eye Care Centre is a trusted facility for ROP screening and treatment due to:
- Expertise of Dr. Maneesh Dhupper, Retina & ROP Specialist
- Advanced retinal imaging systems
- NICU and hospital collaborations
- Child-friendly examination environment
- Comprehensive follow-up care
Parents and neonatologists rely on our centre for accurate diagnosis, safe procedures, and successful outcomes.
When Should You Seek ROP Screening?
If your baby was born premature or underweight, schedule an ROP examination immediately with Dr. Maneesh Dhupper at Gobind Eye Care Centre. Early action can protect your child’s sight for life.
Also Read- Recognizing Amblyopia in Children: Early Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore