Causes of retinopathy of prematurity

It is difficult to unequivocally identify what causes the onset of retinopathy. The normal development of the retina in preterm infants can be impaired by a number of factors, but birth before the 32nd week of pregnancy with a birth weight of less than 1,500 g is considered the main factor in the development of retinopathy. Retinopathy of prematurity is defined as vascular damage to the retina. According to the literature, ROP affects approximately 15 per cent of preterm infants and is considered the main cause of the onset of blindness in children. Implementation of treatment immediately after birth is crucial - the complete maturation process of the retinal vessels is completed several months after birth. Causes of retinopathy include:

• low Apgar scale at birth,
• respiratory disorders occurring in the perinatal period,
• problems with Bottal's duct (congenital heart defect),
• anaemia in the mother during pregnancy,
• unexpected bleeding during pregnancy,
• twin pregnancy,
• green amniotic fluid,
• eclampsia.

How to care for the eyesight of a premature baby

It is crucial to recognise the problem as soon as possible - the sooner the diagnosis is made and treatment implemented, the better the chances of limiting irreversible damage to the eyesight. For babies born before the 36th week of pregnancy and with a weight of less than 2,500 g there is an obligation to have a so-called eye screening. In addition, the examination should be repeated at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the child's life. The examination consists of injecting pupil-dilating drops into the eye. Before the examination, local anaesthetic drops are administered to the child, and a special device, the so-called dilator, is placed on the eyelids to carry out the examination. The ophthalmologist uses an optical lens and an ophthalmoscope to view the fundus of the eye, assess the development of the blood vessels, the development of the optic disc and the condition of the macula.

Incidence of retinopathy in Poland

The prevalence of ROP in preterm infants in Poland ranges from 36-39%. The incidence of retinopathy is similar in Europe, where the incidence of retinopathy has reached approximately 35% in the last 10 years.

Treatment of retinopathy

A child diagnosed with retinopathy requires frequent ophthalmological checks, during which the uninvolved part of the retina is observed. In cases of advanced retinopathy or lack of progress in retinal vascularisation, laser therapy, cryotherapy and sometimes surgical treatment may be required. Treatment is effective in most cases, with the expected results. In Poland, there are specialised centres in provincial cities that treat retinopathy of prematurity. After treatment, the child will still require periodic eye examinations. This should not be underestimated or neglected - it is important to monitor the condition of the eyes so as not to lead to the development of other conditions.