One of the most serious eye health problems faced by premature babies is the need for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment. The retina is the nerve layer that lines the inner wall of the eye and enables vision. Since premature babies are born before the retinal vessels are fully developed, the vascularization process may deviate from its natural course. This condition can lead to progressive retinal damage and even vision loss. Op. Dr. Diclehan states in his studies that early diagnosis and timely application of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment can significantly prevent permanent vision problems.
The retina is the nerve tissue lining the back wall of the eye that detects visual signals and transmits them to the brain. Retinal vessels start developing in the womb around the 16th week of pregnancy and are usually completed between the 36th and 40th weeks. Since premature babies are born before this vascular development is complete, abnormal blood vessel formations may develop.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment is a progressive eye disease that occurs in premature babies due to abnormal development of the retinal vessels. In this condition, because the retinal vessels cannot grow in the correct direction, insufficient oxygenation and vascular abnormalities occur. This can lead to the formation of fibrovascular tissues in the retinal layer, bleeding, and, in the final stage, retinal detachment.
The main causes that require Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment include
ROP is classified into five stages according to clinical appearance:
A thin line is observed at the boundary of retinal vessel development. At this early stage, there is no vision problem.
This line becomes elevated. It is usually monitored and sometimes regresses without progressing.
Abnormal blood vessel formation begins. At this stage, laser treatment or injections may be required.
Partial retinal detachment (separation of the retina) occurs. Surgical treatment may be necessary.
Complete retinal detachment is present. At this stage, there is a high risk of severe vision loss. Advanced surgeries such as vitrectomy may be performed.
ROP is diagnosed by retinal examination within the first 4–6 weeks after birth. In babies at risk of retinopathy, the first examination is usually planned at 31 weeks of gestation or when the baby is 4 weeks old. For diagnosis, pupils are dilated and retinal vascular development is evaluated with an indirect ophthalmoscope. Devices such as RetCam may also be used for retinal imaging if needed.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment varies depending on the stage and rate of progression of the disease. Here are the main treatment methods:
This is the most commonly used method in ROP treatment. The areas of the retina where vessels cannot develop are ablated with a laser to prevent abnormal vessel formation. This procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Drugs developed against Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) are injected into the eye to suppress abnormal vessel growth. This method has become increasingly common in recent years, especially in stage 3 and “aggressive posterior ROP” cases. Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that anti-VEGF injections are extremely effective when applied with the right indication.
In stages 4 and 5, surgery may be necessary. Techniques such as vitrectomy, scleral buckling, or combined methods are used to correct retinal detachment. These surgeries require working on microscopic structures and should be performed by experienced surgeons.
Even after ROP treatment is completed, long-term follow-up is necessary. Eye examinations should continue at regular intervals until the retina is fully developed. In addition, problems such as strabismus, myopia, and amblyopia (lazy eye) are common in treated babies. Therefore, early use of glasses, patching therapy, and orthoptic exercises may be required.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment is not only a medical process but also requires conscious follow-up by the family. Families should:
These steps play a decisive role in the success of the treatment. Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that cooperation between the family and the doctor is the golden key in protecting eye health during ROP treatment.
Diabetes affects the vascular structures in the eyes of adults and leads to diabetic retinopathy. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment, on the other hand, is a vascular development disorder that occurs before or during birth. Although the retina is affected in both conditions, the age group, causes, and treatment methods are different.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment, when diagnosed early and treated appropriately, is a highly successful area of eye health in preventing vision loss. With the increasing survival rates of premature babies, the demand for ROP diagnosis and treatment centers has also grown. Op. Dr. Diclehan emphasizes that every premature baby should be evaluated by an eye specialist and consistently highlights the critical role of early intervention in preserving vision.
From a public health perspective, the implementation of ROP screening programs in neonatal units, educating parents on this issue, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach are vital in preventing vision loss.
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