Services / Paediatric Ophthalmology
Specialist retinal care for babies born prematurely
Retinopathy of Prematurity – Screening and Ongoing Care
For parents of a baby born early, there’s already a great deal to take in — retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the screening conversations that often comes up in the neonatal unit. Understanding what it is can make those discussions feel far less daunting.
At a glance
What parents should know
- Risk increases with earlier birth and lower birth weight
- ROP is detected through scheduled retinal examinations
- Ongoing childhood eye checks remain important after screening
What is ROP?
Retinopathy of prematurity is a condition affecting the developing blood vessels of the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye) in babies born prematurely. The retina’s blood vessels normally finish developing close to full-term; in babies born early, this growth is interrupted and can continue abnormally after birth, sometimes leading to abnormal, fragile new vessels that can cause bleeding or scarring, and in severe cases, retinal detachment.
Who is at risk?
ROP risk is closely linked to how early a baby is born and their birth weight — generally, the more premature and the lower the birth weight, the higher the risk. Babies who required supplemental oxygen or had a complicated neonatal course are also at increased risk. Because of this, screening guidelines specify criteria (based on gestational age and birth weight) for which babies need to be examined.
How is it detected?
Babies meeting screening criteria have their retinas examined directly by an ophthalmologist using specialised equipment, starting at a set number of weeks after birth and repeated on a schedule that depends on what’s found. This screening happens before a baby would show any outward signs — ROP can’t be picked up by simply looking at a baby’s eyes.
Stages and treatment
ROP is graded by stage (severity) and zone (location). Many cases are mild and resolve on their own with continued monitoring. More significant disease may require treatment to stop abnormal vessel growth and protect the retina, which can include:
- Laser treatment to the peripheral retina
- Anti-VEGF injections, a newer treatment option in selected cases
- Surgery, reserved for advanced disease with retinal detachment
Treatment decisions are guided by well-established international criteria, and timing is important — which is why the screening schedule is followed closely even when a baby otherwise seems to be doing well.
After screening ends
Even after active ROP has resolved, children who had ROP are at higher lifelong risk of other eye conditions — including refractive errors, strabismus and amblyopia — so ongoing eye checks through childhood are recommended, separate from the initial ROP screening program.
If your baby was born prematurely, your neonatal team will guide you on ROP screening requirements. Bright Sight Eye Specialists also supports the ongoing eye care of children with a history of prematurity as they grow.
Specialist children’s eye care
Concerned about your child’s eyes?
Dr Kriti Agnihotri provides family-centred paediatric ophthalmology care at Bright Sight Eye Specialists in Randwick.
The key message
Early, appropriate assessment supports better outcomes
ROP may have no outward signs. Following the neonatal screening schedule is the only reliable way to detect changes early enough for timely treatment.
Continue learning
Related children’s eye guides
Book a paediatric eye consultation
For specialist children’s eye care in Randwick, contact Bright Sight Eye Specialists to arrange an appointment.
This information is general and does not replace an individual medical assessment.