Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treatment at KMN EyeCare

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding disease that can occur in babies who are born prematurely. In ROP, retinal blood vessels may not develop normally, which can cause complications that lead to blindness. New-borns at most risk are those born after less than 34 weeks in the womb or those weighing less than 1500 grams at birth. Additional risk factors for ROP include respiratory problems, blood transfusions, infections, heart problems, and the need of high supplemental oxygen after birth.

Diagnosing and treating ROP requires ophthalmologists who have been specifically trained to diagnose and treat this disease. KMN’s highly trained ROP team has looked after infants with ROP since 2004. Our ophthalmologists routinely screen premature infant eyes for ROP, establish a diagnosis, and subsequently determine and carry out the correct treatment. Since 2004, several babies throughout Indonesia have been brought to KMN to receive the best possible care for ROP.

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 only eye care clinic in Indonesia that utilizes fluorescein angiography for the treatment of ROP in new-borns. ROP 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.