Retinopathy nedonoshennыh – Retrolental fibroplasia

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP; Retrolental Fibroplasia; RLF)

What is retinopathy of prematurity?

Retinopathy of prematurity (RN) It is a rare eye disease. It occurs in children, who are born prematurely or have low birth weight. PH causes problems in the retina, cloth, which is on the back of the eye. ROP retinal blood vessels grow in improperly.

The anomaly of blood vessels can result in bleeding and scarring of the retina. In the most serious cases can lead to ROP retinal separation from the back of the eye. In a small number of cases, ROP may cause vision loss or blindness.

Causes of retinopathy of prematurity

The exact cause of PH is unknown.

Risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity

Factors, that may increase the risk of retinopathy of prematurity include:

• Miscarriage, especially if the child was born at less than 30 weeks of pregnancy;
• Low birth weight, especially in children weighing less than 1,2 kg;
• Low consumption, or fluctuations in oxygen;
• Respiratory insufficiency;
• Zhelezodefitsitnaya anemia.

The symptoms of retinopathy of prematurity

Signs of PH is usually not observed until her severe stage. Severe ROP may cause:

• Blurred pupils;
• Abnormal eye movements;
• Kosoglazie;
• Amblyopia (lazy eye).

Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity

Appoint a specialist screening RN, if the baby has risk factors, such as prematurity and low birth weight. The doctor will use a special tool, to examine the blood vessels and the retina.

The doctor will examine the child's eyes every 1-2 of the week, while the blood vessels in the retina are fully developed.

Treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

RN, usually, It goes away. It will conduct regular inspections of the child's eyes, while the blood vessels are not fully healed.

A more severe form of PH may require treatment, to reduce the risk of retinal detachment from the back of the eye. Treatment includes:

• Krioxirurgija – the freezing of the eye tissue, to prevent the spread of abnormal blood vessels;
• Laser ablation / coagulation – abnormal proliferation of blood vessels is stopped by laser.

Prevention of retinopathy of prematurity

Best way to prevent ROP – the prevention of preterm birth. Good prenatal care can help reduce the risk of preterm birth.