What is Premature Retinopathy?
Premature retinopathy is an eye disease seen in premature infants that damages the retina and can lead to blindness. One of the most significant eye problems in premature infants is "Retinopathy of Prematurity" (ROP). Early diagnosis and treatment of retinopathy that may develop in premature infants is crucial. Normally, the vascular system in the eyes of infants continues to develop until birth. In early and low-birth-weight deliveries, this developmental process is not completed before birth. After birth, the development continues. Due to the influence of many risk factors, the blood vessels in the eye may develop abnormally. These new vessels affect the retina, the light-sensitive layer of the eye, and can be a persistent cause of blindness. Therefore, premature infants must be examined and monitored by an ophthalmologist.
What Are the Risk Factors?
Many factors contribute to the development of premature retinopathy. The most important include early gestational age, low birth weight, and the duration of oxygen therapy. Recurrent respiratory distress, preterm birth, severe infections, rapid blood exchange or multiple transfusions, intracranial hemorrhage, underdeveloped lungs, and heart defects increase the risk of retinopathy.
All infants born before 32 weeks of gestation and weighing less than 1500 grams are at risk.
When Does It Appear?
Premature retinopathy most commonly appears between the 6th and 8th weeks after birth. In infants born at 28 weeks, it can be seen starting from the 40th day.
When Should Screening Be Performed?
The ideal time to screen at-risk infants is between 32–36 weeks of gestational age (particularly 31–33 weeks) or 4–6 weeks after birth. Therefore, all infants in the above-mentioned risk groups should be examined by an experienced ophthalmologist when they reach 4–6 weeks of age. For babies still hospitalized, the examination is performed in the incubator.
Stages of the Disease
In this disease, the retinal vessels are affected, and there are 5 stages. Stages 1 and 2 may regress spontaneously. These infants should be monitored until the retina fully matures (usually until the expected date of birth). However, from stage 3 onwards, laser or cryotherapy is required. If untreated, the disease progresses, and in the final stages (stages 4–5), the retina is irreversibly damaged. Surgical correction becomes less likely, and ultimately blindness can occur. Therefore, premature retinopathy is a serious health problem that can lead to blindness if not diagnosed and treated on time.