Prematurity and Vision Issues
Babies born before 37 weeks are considered premature. They may have more health issues than babies born within the typical nine-month time frame, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), one of the most common eye issues that can cause vision loss in children, according to the National Eye Institute.
What is ROP?
ROP typically affects premature infants born before 31 weeks, weighing about 2¾ pounds or less. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, usually in both eyes. Depending on ROP’s severity, it can lead to retinal scarring or retinal detachment, which may cause blindness.
What Causes ROP?
There are several factors that contribute to ROP’s development. A baby’s eye begins to develop at 16 weeks of pregnancy. The blood vessels of the retina begin to form the optic nerve. As they grow, they supply oxygen and nutrients. The eye develops quickly in the last 12 weeks of pregnancy. If an infant is born prematurely, the blood vessels may not have reached the edges of the retina and normal blood vessel growth may stop, leading to a lack of nutrients and oxygen in the eye. New, weaker blood vessels may start to grow and leak blood, leading to potential retinal scarring, retinal detachment or blindness. Most babies that develop ROP do not reach this stage. Many only have mild cases that tend to become resolved on their own.
Treatment Options
Some of the most effective treatments for severe cases are laser therapy or cryotherapy. Both of these treatments target the peripheral areas of the retina, slowing or reversing the abnormal growth of blood vessels. These treatments are invasive and may have long-term side effects.
Other Visual Issues
Premature babies with ROP are prone to develop other eye conditions such as: nearsightedness, farsightedness, crossed eyes, lazy eye and glaucoma. Each of these conditions can be properly addressed and/or corrected by an optometrist.
The Eye Institute of Salus University has a specialized, pediatric department, devoted to providing top-quality care for children’s eye issues.