Retinopathy of Prematurity
What is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that can affect some babies who are born early. It happens when blood vessels in the retina develop differently than usual. The retina is the part of the eye that senses light.
Not all premature babies develop ROP. Most babies improve on their own and do not need treatment.
ROP can become more serious and threaten vision in some cases. There are effective treatments such as medicines and laser therapy that can help protect your baby’s eyesight and reduce the risk of long-term problems.
Eye exams for retinopathy of prematurity
Your baby may need regular checkups with a pediatric ophthalmologist if your baby has ROP or their eyes are still developing. These visits help us keep a close eye on how their vision develops and if any treatment is needed.
Some babies may need follow-up care after leaving the hospital. It is very important to go to all scheduled eye appointments. These exams are time-sensitive and play a key role in protecting your child’s vision. Please reach out If you have trouble making an appointment. We are here to help.
Call (816) 960-8015, ext. 68015. Ask to speak with our ROP coordinator.
What to expect at an eye exam for ROP
A typical visit:
- A team member will talk with you.
- They will place eye drops to gently widen (dilate) your baby’s pupils.
- The doctor will carefully examine your baby’s eyes. They use special tools designed for infants.
The eye drops take effect after 30 minutes. Your baby’s eyes will remain dilated for up to 6 hours. The entire outpatient visit takes about an hour. We do our best to keep your baby as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
Ongoing eye care after ROP screenings
Regular eye checkups are important even after your baby no longer needs ROP screenings. Babies born early may have a higher chance of common vision issues. They may need glasses or have eye alignment concerns. Routine eye care helps us catch and address issues early and support healthy vision development.