2nd Global Pediatric Ophthalmology Congress

Statement of the Problem: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder of childhood that primarily affects premature infants weighing 1250 grams or less, born before 31 weeks of gestation. ROP is vasoproliferative eye disorder characterized by abnormal vascular development of retina. Various other risk factors also contribute. The purpose of this study is to describe the incidence of ROP in various neonate intensive care units (NICU) and obtain information about risk factors associated with ROP and treatment modalities.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: Premature infant born at 36 weeks of gestation or younger or 2000 grams or smaller, were screened for ROP. 1350 babies were screened between October 2012 and March 2016. Screening was done with RETCAM and indirect ophthalmoscope using 28D volk lens under topical anesthesia and those requiring treatment were given laser treatment. All the babies were followed up till 40 weeks of corrected gestation or until retina matured and further follow up continued for those with ROP until resolved. 

Findings: In 1350 premature neonates, ROP was detected in 248 infants. Most of the babies were in the range of 26-34 weeks of gestation age at birth. Total 74 infants had pre threshold ROP, out of which 49 infants had Type 1 or high risk pre threshold ROP and were given laser treatment. Remaining 25 infants had Type 2 or low risk pre threshold ROP and were followed weekly.

Conclusion & Significance: ROP is one of the important causes of ocular morbidities and childhood blindness. The magnitude of ROP in our study is 18.37%. Response to laser therapy is encouraging.

Recommendation: Gestational age and low birth weight were the most significant risk factors for development of ROP, thus screening those with more than 1.5 kg and gestational age up to 36 weeks need to be considered.