Alarming rise in cases of Retinopathy of Prematurity in premature infants: Experts

Nagpur: India is facing an alarming rise in cases of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition that can cause irreversible blindness in premature infants if not detected and treated early. Experts have sounded the alarm, calling it the third epidemic of ROP in the country and called for spreading awareness among parents and medical professionals.
ROP is an eye disorder that affects premature babies, particularly those born before 34 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1,500gms.Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina can lead to scarring and detachment, causing permanent vision loss. Timely screening and treatment are crucial, yet thousands of newborns go undiagnosed due to limited awareness and inadequate healthcare facilities.
During a workshop held at Lata Mangeshkar Hospital on Saturday, doctors emphasised the urgent need for better screening facilities and proper oxygen management in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
Dr Rajvardhan Azad, president of the Indian ROP Society, highlighted that ROP is now included in the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), but stressed that more efforts are needed to reach vulnerable newborns in both urban and rural areas.
Dr Anand Vinekar, an expert in ROP and neonatal eye care, explained how improper administration of oxygen therapy is one of the major causes of ROP. "Many NICUs lack trained staff to monitor oxygen levels correctly, increasing the risk of blindness in newborns," he warned.
Dr Parijat Chandra, a senior paediatric retina specialist, urged govt and private hospitals to implement standardised ROP screening protocols to prevent avoidable blindness.
Doctors advised that every premature baby must undergo an eye examination between 4 to 6 weeks after birth. However, many parents are unaware of this crucial step. "If your baby is born before 34 weeks or weighed less than 1.5 kg, ask your paediatrician about an ROP screening immediately," says Dr Rekha Khandelwal, HOD of Ophthalmology at NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences.
With over 150 doctors and NICU staff attending the event, experts stressed that collaborative efforts between ophthalmologists, neonatologists, and govt agencies are necessary to ensure that no baby loses vision due to preventable causes.
# Steps to Prevent ROP Blindness
Regular Eye Check-ups: All premature babies should be screened within 4-6 weeks of birth
Proper Oxygen Use in NICUs: Trained staff should monitor oxygen levels to avoid excessive exposure
Timely Treatment: Laser therapy and injections can prevent blindness if detected early
Parental Awareness: Parents must insist on ROP screening if their baby was born premature. MSID:: 118070550 413 |