rop presentation Ndye

Retinopathy of


Prematurity


(ROP)

By Ndye

Multiple Choice

Has anyone heard of Retinopathy of Prematurity before? What do you think it might be? It is...

• brain injury

• A condition affecting premature infants’ retinal blood vessels

• another word for conjunctivitis

• A type of eye surgery

What is ROP?

•A condition affecting premature infants’ retinal (eye) blood vessels

•If ROP becomes severe enough it can lead to retinal detachment which leads to a high chance of blindness or severe vision issues. The reason why babies are screened for ROP is so that it never leads to this.

•Abnormal blood vessel which growth can lead to vision loss

causes of ROP

• Mainly affects babies born before 31 weeks or under 1500g. Babies that meet this criteria must be screened​

• Exposure to high oxygen for a long period (eg vaporthem) which is common in nicu as premature babies often need respiratory support​

• Genetics- babies can inherit an increased risk

Multiple Choice

How does ROP develop?

• The retina grows too many healthy vessels

• The eye gets too much light

• from physically rubbing the eye

• Vessel growth stops, then weak new vessels grow abnormally

How it develops

•The retina (responsible for capturing light and transmitting visual information to the brain) needs blood vessels to bring oxygen and nutrients. 

•This growth of vessels is called vascularisation.

•In premature babies, vessel growth is interrupted before it’s complete.

•Changes in oxygen levels outside the womb cause vessels to stop or grow abnormally.

•The retina tries to make new vessels, but they are fragile and weak.

•These abnormal vessels can leak, scar, or pull the retina, leading to vision problems or blindness. If it pulls enough it will end up with a retinal detachment

Multiple Choice

Why is caring ROP important?

• it is not important

• because there is no type of treatment to help it

• because It is the leading cause of preventable childhood blindness

Why is ROP Important?

•Leading cause of preventable childhood blindness worldwide

•Early detection and treatment can prevent serious vision problems

•Regular screening is essential in neonatal and outpatient care

How is It diagnosed?

• Opthamologist diagnose ROP​

• ROP is diagnosed by carefully examining the retina of premature infants to see if blood vessels are developing normally or abnormally.​

• Dilated eye exam: Eye drops are used to dialte the pupils.​

• A special light and lens are used to look directly at the retina.​

• Retinal imaging (sometimes used): Special cameras  can take pictures of the retina to help with diagnosis and follow-up.​

• Screening schedule: Premature babies at risk are examined starting a few weeks after birth, and exams are repeated regularly until the retina has fully developed or treatment is needed.​

Multiple Choice

There are a number of stages of ROP. How many do you think there is?

• 9 stages

• 5 stages

• 3 stages

• 7 stages

• 4 stages

stages

• Stage 1

  ​

• A thin white line separates the normal retina (with vessels) from the area without vessels.​

• Usually mild, often resolves on its own.

  ​

• Stage 2

  ​

• The line becomes a raised ridge of tissue.​

• Still may resolve without treatment.

  ​

• Stage 3

  ​

• Fragile, abnormal new vessels grow into the gel inside of the eye.​

• Higher risk of scarring and progression.

  ​

• Stage 4

  ​

• Scar tissue pulls the retina away from the back of the eye.​

• Vision is seriously threatened.

  ​

• Stage 5

  ​

• The retina is completely detached.​

• Leads to severe vision loss or blindness.

Multiple Choice

What do you think is the most common treatment for severe ROP in the UK

• laser treatment

• eye drops

• glasses

Treatment

• Most mild cases get better on their own​

Regular eye checks until vessels finish growing​

• Laser therapy 🔦​

Uses a small laser to stop abnormal vessel growth​

Most common treatment in the UK​

• injections 💉​

• Medicine put inside the eye​

• Helps stop weak new vessels from growing​

Surgery (only if very severe) 🔧​

• Used if the retina starts to detach​

• More difficult to treat at this stage​

• Prevention tip 🫁​

• Careful control of oxygen in premature babies reduces risk