DEPARTMENT OF COUNSELLING
Retinopathy of Prematurity
ARAVIND EYE CARE SYSTEM
Aravind Eye Hospital
& Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology
Definition
ROP is a disease of Retina in premature children
with a low birth weight and a history of
prolonged oxygen therapy
The disease is characterised by abnormal growth
of blood vessels on the retina which may lead
to blindness
(Picture of the normal retina and prematurity
retina fundus photos)
Causes
 Premature babies born before 28 – 30
weeks of gestation and birth weight of less
than 1250 gms are at risk of ROP
 High oxygen concentration contributes to
the development of ROP
Risk factors
 In premature babies some parts of the Retina are
choroid of blood vessels, hence they suffer from
lack of oxygen
 Certain chemicals are released that promote
growth of blood vessels in an irregular manner
 Large amounts of O2 required for a baby’s survival
is believed to be toxic to the blood vessels
 These abnormal blood vessels cause bleeding
scan formation and later separation of the
retina from patient’s and decrease vision
 The disease is divided into several stages
depending on the severity
Treatment:
 This depends on the stage / severity of the
disease
Laser Treatment:
 The aim is to destroy the immature retina and
to show down or stop the growth of the
abnormal vessels
Cryotheraphy
 The immature retina is destroyed using very
low temperature
Scheral Buckling
 A Silicon band is tied around the eye. This is
done in later stages if the baby has developed a
retinal detachment
Vitrectomy
 In this surgery the vitreous which is a gel like
substance in the eye, is removed
 The scar tissue pulling the retina, along with
any blood in the gel, is removed
 This helps the retina to go back and lie flat on
the inner surface of the wall of eye
Role of Counsellor
 Should give clear information to the parent’s about the nature and
progression of disease
 Explain how the treatment will work and prevent further damage to
the eye
 Explain the visual prognosis if child has come at an advance stage
 Explain about the chances of myopia in the future
 Explained the need for follow-up as instructed by the doctor and
give clear information of importance of follow up
Conclusion:
 Screening the ROP babies in all hospital.
(Now our paediatric doctors and Retina
doctors going to ROP screening in every
week Friday in GH Madurai)
 Creating awareness of ROP