Geetha Arcot1 , Bommana Ugandhar Reddy2
BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a unique disease affecting the retina of premature infants. 1 The underlying pathological change is retinal neovascularization in response to retinal ischaemia. 2 ROP can regress spontaneously in early cases but lead to bilateral total retinal detachment and blindness in late stages. The first screening examination for ROP should be done after three to four weeks of birth, irrespective of gestational age.3 As a simple rule, each premature eligible for screening should receive one examination by day 30 of life. 3 METHODS A prospective, randomized clinical study was conducted in our Regional Eye Hospital, South India, involving screening of 200 infants who are at risk of developing ROP. 1 st screening was done three weeks after birth in low birth weight babies and gestational age 32 weeks, the first screening was done four weeks after birth. RESULTS About 200 infants were screened in our study, out of which 34 cases (17%) developed ROP, in which 18% were in stage 1, 7% were in stage 2, 1% were in stage 3, and 5% with AP-ROP. There was male predominance. In our study, there is a significant association with low birth weight and low gestational age with the development of ROP. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological profile of ROP has paralleled the changes in neonatology practices. The current burden of disease concerns the developing countries where even heavier and more mature babies are developing retinopathy of prematurity. It is essential for timely and careful retinal examination of at-risk infants by an experienced ophthalmologist to prevent the development of advanced ROP and serious sequelae, leading to complete blindness.
