Retinopathy in Premature Babies

RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY Retinopathy in premature babies is referred to as retinopathy of prematurity with the acronym (ROP). This potentially vision-robbing affliction appears most often in premature newborns weighing three pounds or less and, who are born at less than thirty-one weeks of gestation. A typical term pregnancy involves gestation of around forty weeks. Unfortunately, if ROP does develop it usually affects both eyes. The smallest newborns are at the highest risk of exhibiting ROP. This form of retinopathy is one of the most common causes of childhood vision deficits and can end in lifelong visual difficulties and even blindness. Retinopathy of prematurity is connected with abnormally formed blood vessels in the retina. The abnormal blood vessels end abruptly and do not supply enough blood flow to the entire retina. The retina plays a role similar to a movie screen, it is where the image is projected and then processed into vision. Without a healthy blood supply to the light sensitive nerve ending forming the retina normal vision is not possible. The diagram below is an illustration of a normally formed eye. The first reported instances of ROP appeared in the 1940’s. The culprit was surprisingly, pediatric incubators. These devices were designed to coddle a newborn in a warm, humidity controlled, and safe environment. As a purported benefit of this closed system additional oxygen could easily be provided to the baby. It was discovered that when too much oxygen was given there was a rise in the incidence of ROP; on the other hand too little oxygen can cause other issues such as cerebral palsy. An Australian pediatrician named Kate Campbell was one of the first physicians to conclude that excessive oxygen levels could actually cause damage to  newborns. This discovery was made over fifty years ago. Even with the benefit of over five decades of observation and study ROP continues to be a serious issue. Up to fifty percent of babies with a birth weight of less than 3.75 pounds develop ROP. Fortunately, there are treatments available for children exhibiting signs of this condition. Early screening in appropriate cases can lead to earlier treatment if problems associated with ROP are found. Cryotherapy (the use of extremely cold temperature to remove diseased tissues) and lasers (the use of localized high temperature to destroy diseased tissue) have both been used with success as treatment options for ROP. The attorneys and staff of Van Wey Law are dedicated to the protection of client rights. This article is intended only as a general discussion of the covered topic and is not intended to convey any specific legal or medical opinions. Please contact the Van Wey Law Office for more information!