This 'silent' disease can rob premature babies of their eyesight; the first 30 days are extremely critical.

News Topical, Digital Desk : Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Agarwal's Eye Hospital, New Delhi , premature or low birth weight babies can have a very serious eye problem.

This is medically known as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). If this condition isn't recognized and treated early, it can lead to permanent vision loss in a child.

In this article, with the help of a doctor, we'll explain in simple terms what this condition is and how you can protect your baby's eyes. Let's find out.

What is ROP and why does it occur?

In babies born prematurely, the blood vessels in the retina of their eyes do not fully develop. After birth, these vessels either develop very slowly or develop abnormally

Uncontrolled oxygen supply to the child in the hospital and low hemoglobin levels can further aggravate this problem. Sometimes the disease progresses so rapidly that immediate treatment is required.

Which children need screening the most?

According to Dr. Kaur, it is important to get your eyes checked by a retina specialist in the following situations:

• Preterm and low birth weight: All babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy and/or weighing less than 2 kilograms.
• Babies admitted to the NICU: Babies who had a difficult time in the NICU after birth or who needed oxygen support.
• Other health problems: Babies who have had breathing problems, anemia, or low platelet counts.
• Doctor's advice: If the treating pediatrician recommends testing.

Even if you look normal from outside, you may be in danger.

ROP is a silent disease. It's worth noting that initially, a child's eyes appear completely normal from the outside.

By the time symptoms such as a white flash in the eyes, reduced vision, or shrinking of the eyes appear, the disease is already very advanced. The damage to the eyes in this late stage is often irreversible.

Timely testing is the best defense

The good news is that blindness is completely preventable with timely screening and treatment. If the disease is caught early and regular doctor visits are made, even premature babies can live normal lives with healthy vision.

Therefore, the most important advice for parents is not to wait for any symptoms to appear in their child's eyes. Get your child checked for ROP by a reputable retinal specialist within a month (ideally 3 to 4 weeks) of birth.

Read More: This 'silent' disease can rob premature babies of their eyesight; the first 30 days are extremely critical.