ROP screening: a simple check that protects a premature baby's sight

Which babies need screening

• Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy.
• Babies weighing less than 2,000 grams at birth.
• Babies born at 34–36 weeks who needed oxygen or breathing support, had a serious infection, needed a blood transfusion, or whose doctor considers them at risk.

From the Government of India's guidelines for eye screening in newborns (2017). [R9]

When the first check should happen

The first check is usually at 4 weeks after birth. Babies born before 28 weeks, or weighing less than 1,200 grams, should be checked earlier, at 2–3 weeks. [R9] Your baby may need several checks until the blood vessels have finished growing.

What happens during the check

Drops widen the baby's pupils, then a trained eye doctor examines the retina with a special light and lens. It takes a few minutes. Your baby may cry, which is normal, and settles soon afterwards.

Treatment

Most mild ROP settles on its own and only needs watching. If ROP becomes more severe, treatment with laser or an injection into the eye helps prevent the retina from detaching. If the retina has already detached, surgery may be needed, and the outcome is less certain — which is why timely screening is so important.

We can examine your baby after discharge and arrange treatment if it's needed.