Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of blindness in premature infants in India, is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. A recent study in the Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology found an ROP incidence of 8% among 500 newborns, identifying low birth weight, prematurity, and early exposure to oxygen as key risk factors, with the timing of oxygen administration being more critical than the therapy itself. Simultaneously, a review in Global Pediatrics highlighted that while advances in neonatal care have increased survival rates of premature babies, consequently raising ROP incidence, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing vision loss, with pediatricians and neonatologists playing a vital role in its prevention, detection, and management. Experts universally emphasize that ROP is preventable and treatable through timely screening, robust tracking systems, careful oxygen monitoring within recommended ranges, and universal adherence to screening guidelines and standardized oxygen management protocols within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of blindness in premature infants in India, is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. A recent study in the Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology found an ROP incidence of 8% among 500 newborns, identifying low birth weight, prematurity, and early exposure to oxygen as key risk factors, with the timing of oxygen administration being more critical than the therapy itself. Simultaneously, a review in Global Pediatrics highlighted that while advances in neonatal care have increased survival rates of premature babies, consequently raising ROP incidence, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing vision loss, with pediatricians and neonatologists playing a vital role in its prevention, detection, and management. Experts universally emphasize that ROP is preventable and treatable through timely screening, robust tracking systems, careful oxygen monitoring within recommended ranges, and universal adherence to screening guidelines and standardized oxygen management protocols within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a leading cause of blindness in premature infants in India, is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow on the retina, potentially leading to permanent vision loss if untreated. A recent study in the Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology found an ROP incidence of 8% among 500 newborns, identifying low birth weight, prematurity, and early exposure to oxygen as key risk factors, with the timing of oxygen administration being more critical than the therapy itself. Simultaneously, a review in Global Pediatrics highlighted that while advances in neonatal care have increased survival rates of premature babies, consequently raising ROP incidence, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing vision loss, with pediatricians and neonatologists playing a vital role in its prevention, detection, and management. Experts universally emphasize that ROP is preventable and treatable through timely screening, robust tracking systems, careful oxygen monitoring within recommended ranges, and universal adherence to screening guidelines and standardized oxygen management protocols within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).

Every year, thousands of babies in India are born prematurely, before their eyes have fully developed. A condition called retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP, threatens to steal their sight before they have even had a chance to see the world.  

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ROP is an eye disease that primarily affects babies born before 31 weeks of gestation. This condition occurs when unwanted blood vessels grow on the retina, which is the tissue at the back of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain. If this remains untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. Timely screening can help detect the condition early and prevent vision loss. 

What do the studies say?

A 2023 clinical study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology screened 500 newborns at G.T. Sheth Eye Hospital, P. D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot. The study aimed to understand how common ROP is and what puts babies at risk. The incidence of ROP at any stage was 8 per cent, lower than in other studies conducted in India.  

“Incidence of ROP in our study is less than in other studies, which is due to less awareness among parents of retinopathy of prematurity and its risk factors,” the study found. It also identified that low birth weight and prematurity were the most important risk factors for developing any ROP. In addition, most of the patients who developed ROP were exposed to oxygen at a very early age.  

The study concluded that rather than oxygen therapy itself, the age at which oxygen is administered is more important. 

A review in Global Pediatrics by Koc and Bas, written from a neonatologist's perspective, noted that the incidence and severity of ROP increase with decreasing gestational age and birth weight. Improved survival rates among premature babies, driven by advances in neonatal care, have contributed to an increase in the incidence of ROP. The review said that early diagnosis and timely and appropriate treatment of ROP would increase the quality of life by preventing vision loss.  

It also reported many risk factors besides prematurity and inappropriate oxygen treatment for preterm infants. 

“Pediatricians and neonatologists play an important role in prevention, detection and management of ROP,”  the review noted. It also pointed out that delayed or missed screening and treatment could lead to medicolegal issues. 

Across all the studies, one message is consistent. ROP is preventable and treatable. But only if it is caught in time.  

What do experts say?

Dr Jagdish Kathwate, consultant neonatologist and paediatrician at Motherhood Hospital Kharadi, Pune, said that premature babies who meet screening criteria based on gestational age, birth weight, or clinical condition are automatically enrolled for ROP screening after admission to the NICU.  

"Timely screening, robust tracking systems and clear communication with parents are critical to ensuring that no baby misses an eye examination," he added. 

Dr Kathwate said that oxygen therapy should be carefully monitored to avoid ROP, noting that the team should track oxygen levels and maintain them within the recommended range to help prevent eye damage.  

“In India, ROP is seen in heavier babies because of differences in oxygen monitoring and even inconsistent screening coverage. So, it is the need of the hour to strengthen NICU care and strict oxygen monitoring,  which will be beneficial for babies,” Dr Kathwate emphasised. “There is the need for universal adherence to ROP screening guidelines, standardised oxygen management protocols and continued training of NICU teams across the healthcare settings.” 

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS

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