Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment at KMN EyeCare

ROP causes are complex, as is ROP prevention. An early diagnoses of ROP is very important as, if treatment is needed, it should be promptly carried out. ROP management requires specialist expertise, and KMN EyeCare ophthalmologists have been specifically treating ROP since the KMN EyeCare’s establishment in 2004. While some new-borns may only require observation as the disease regresses on its own, other cases may call for urgent treatment.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is diagnosed by observing the retina of new-bornes. This can be done with an instrument called an “Indirect Ophthalmoscope” or with a digital camera that has been especially designed for babies, called RetCam. KMN EyeCare was the first institution in Indonesia to utilize a RetCam in its treatments. New-borns’ pupils are dilated using eyedrops prior to the examination. Fluorescein angiography may also be used as an important tool in monitoring the retinal vascular patterns after treatment. At the time of writing, KMN EyeCare is the first institution in Indonesia to use Retcam Natus Envision for the diagnosis and monitoring of retinal conditions in infants. consists of stages that are classified by its location in the eye and severity.  Severity of ROP can range from a mere demarcation line between the vascular and avascular areas of the retina (ROP stage I), to total retinal detachment (ROP stage V).  Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) may progress rapidly, skipping over the classical stages 1-3. This type of ROP is called aggressive posterior ROP (APROP), and without treatment, this may become a stage V disease, which often leads to blindness.