Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

Treatment of ROP lowers the chance of blindness, but it does not always prevent it. 

The treatment depends on the stage of the blood vessel growth. In Stage I and early Stage II, treatment is usually not needed. These stages may resolve by themselves without further growth of the abnormal vessels. Infants with Stage III may require treatment to stop the growth of abnormal vessels. 

To treat ROP, the inner lining of the eye at the ends of these vessels is prevent from abnormally growing by the use of  laser  therapy which causes a diminished blood supply and  prevents the inner lining (retina) from being pulled away from the outer lining (detached) by the abnormal vessels. It is the treatment of choice as it is less invasive and less discomforting to the baby and is quite effective to stop progression of the ROP. However in up to 15% of babies, this may not halt disease progression and more invasive surgical treatments (scleral buckling, vitrectomy) may have to be considered.

The Ophthalmologist might also consider the use of ANTI-VEGF (a growth factor thought to promote ROP) is some instances. This is injected into the main chamber of the eye under aseptic precautions and under local anaesthesia.