Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP)

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment In Jaipur at Pink City Eye & Retina Center

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center in Jaipur, we understand how fragile and critical the early days of a premature baby’s life can be — especially when it comes to their eye health. One of the most important conditions we screen for in preterm infants is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). This serious eye condition can hinder normal blood vessel growth in the retinas of premature newborns. Although mild forms often improve on their own, advanced cases may lead to irreversible blindness without timely intervention.

We specialize in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment in Jaipur, ensuring that every premature baby receives the best possible care from the start. In Jaipur, early detection and expert care are essential — and that’s exactly what we’re committed to providing at Pink City Eye & Retina Center.

What is Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) affects the eyes of babies born too soon, especially those arriving before 31 weeks or under 1500 grams in weight. It causes irregular vessel development in the retina, which is essential for vision. These irregular vessels can leak, bleed, or cause scarring, which may lead to retinal detachment and even blindness in severe cases.

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we monitor all high-risk newborns for ROP through regular retinal screenings. Most babies with ROP experience mild changes that resolve naturally without treatment. However, in more advanced stages, timely intervention with laser therapy or anti-VEGF injections can be life-changing and help preserve vision.

What Are the Stages of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)?

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is classified into five stages, ranging from mild to severe, based on how much the retina is affected. These stages help doctors determine the right time for monitoring or starting treatment. Here’s a breakdown of each stage:

Stage 1 – Mild Abnormal Growth

In the earliest phase, the retinal blood vessels show slight irregularities but usually resolve without causing any vision issues. Most babies in this stage recover naturally without any need for treatment. However, regular follow-up is important to ensure the condition does not worsen.

Stage 2 – Moderate Abnormal Growth

Stage 2 shows more noticeable changes in the retinal blood vessels. Although the vessels are still not growing normally, most babies still get better without any intervention. Close monitoring by an eye specialist is essential to catch any signs of progression early.

Stage 3 – Severe Abnormal Growth

At this level, the abnormal vessels start growing inward toward the center of the eye instead of staying along the retina’s edges. Some babies with stage 3 recover without treatment, but others may need urgent medical intervention such as laser therapy or injections. If untreated, this stage may lead to serious complications like retinal detachment.

Stage 4 – Partial Retinal Detachment

The retina begins detaching partially from its position, which can compromise vision if not addressed. This is a serious stage that requires prompt treatment, often surgical, to prevent further vision loss. Early medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and help protect the baby’s vision.

Stage 5 – Total Retinal Detachment

In this stage, the retina has completely detached, leading to a very high risk of permanent vision loss or blindness. Even with surgery, restoring normal vision may not be possible, but treatment may help prevent further damage.

What Causes Retinopathy of Prematurity?

ROP develops in babies born prematurely as their retinal blood vessels are not fully formed at birth. After birth, these vessels may start to grow abnormally, which can damage the retina. The main causes include:

  • Premature Birth: The risk of ROP rises sharply in babies delivered before 31 weeks of pregnancy.

  • Low Birth Weight: Babies weighing less than 1500 grams (around 3 pounds) are at greater risk due to their underdeveloped body systems.

  • Oxygen Therapy: While oxygen support is often life-saving for premature babies, too much oxygen or rapid changes in oxygen levels can affect the growth of retinal blood vessels.

  • Other Health Conditions: Premature infants with complications like anemia (low red blood cell count), vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin E), or respiratory issues are more vulnerable to ROP.

What Are the Symptoms of ROP?

In its early stages, ROP doesn’t show any obvious symptoms, which is why regular eye screenings are critical for premature babies. However, as the condition progresses, some signs may become noticeable, such as:

Unusual Eye Movements

The baby’s eyes may appear to shake (nystagmus), wander, or not move together.

Poor Visual Tracking

Infants may show delayed visual development, such as an inability to follow moving objects or faces.

White Pupils

The center of the eye (pupil) may appear white instead of black, which could be a sign of advanced retinal damage.

Difficulty Recognizing Faces

As the baby grows, they may struggle with facial recognition or show poor visual responsiveness.

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we offer specialized screening for all high-risk newborns to ensure ROP is caught early. If your baby was born prematurely, our expert team will guide you through each step — from monitoring to treatment — to help protect your child’s precious vision.

Who Is at Risk for ROP?

  • Premature babies born before 31 weeks of gestation

  • Infants with a birth weight less than 1500 grams (3.3 pounds)

  • Babies with a gestational age of 30 weeks or less

  • The smaller and more premature the baby, the higher the risk of developing ROP

  • Premature infants requiring oxygen therapy or having other health complications like anemia or respiratory distress are at increased risk

  • Multiple births (twins, triplets) may also carry a higher risk due to lower birth weight and early delivery

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment in Jaipur At Pink City Eye & Retina Center

At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we offer advanced and effective treatment options for babies diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).in Jaipur. Our goal is to protect your child’s vision by managing ROP at the right stage using the safest and most suitable methods.

Main Treatment Options available in Jaipur for ROP:

  • Laser Therapy (Photocoagulation)
    Laser therapy is the preferred method of treatment. It halts abnormal vessel growth by targeting and sealing the outer retina.

  • Cryotherapy (Cryopexy)
    This method uses freezing temperatures to treat the abnormal areas of the retina. It’s usually used in certain cases when laser is not suitable.

  • Anti-VEGF Injections
    Anti-VEGF therapy involves injecting medication directly into the eye to control unwanted vessel development.

Surgical Treatments for Advanced ROP (Stage 4 or 5):

  • Scleral Buckling
    Scleral buckling provides structural support to the eye and helps reattach the retina. This helps reposition the retina and can be removed later as the baby’s eye develops.

  • Vitrectomy
    Vitrectomy involves removing the eye’s gel-like substance and replacing it with saline to repair retinal damage. The surgeon also removes scar tissue from the retina and may use a laser to stabilize the retina in its place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Treatment usually begins at Stage 3, when abnormal blood vessels threaten to damage the retina. Stages 4 and 5, which involve retinal detachment, also require urgent surgical intervention. Early-stage ROP (Stages 1 and 2) is usually monitored closely without immediate treatment.

No, ROP is not considered a genetic condition. Prematurity interrupts the natural growth of blood vessels in the retina, leading to ROP. Environmental and medical factors like oxygen therapy or low birth weight contribute more significantly than genetics.

ROP screening may cause temporary discomfort, but it is not painful. To ensure your baby’s comfort, eye drops are used to dilate the pupils, and a local anesthetic may be given. The procedure is quick, and your baby is closely monitored throughout.

While not present at delivery, ROP typically begins to appear a few weeks after birth in at-risk infants. That’s why it’s important to begin screening early and continue regular follow-ups based on your baby’s gestational age and birth weight.

The duration of laser treatment for ROP can range between 30 and 60 minutes per eye. It is usually done under sedation or general anesthesia to ensure your baby is comfortable and still during the procedure.

ROP is relatively common among premature and low-birth-weight infants. Around half of babies born before 31 weeks may develop some degree of ROP. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we emphasize routine screening for all high-risk newborns to detect and manage ROP early.

Yes, in many cases, mild ROP resolves on its own as the baby grows. However, some babies may progress to more serious stages and require treatment. Regular monitoring is essential to ensure proper eye development and avoid complications.

Though not every preterm infant develops ROP, the likelihood increases with lower birth weight and earlier delivery. Screening helps identify which babies need close observation or treatment.

ROP can affect one or both eyes. In many cases, both eyes are involved, but the severity might differ. Our team at Pink City Eye & Retina Center carefully examines each eye individually to assess the condition and decide the appropriate care.

While ROP cannot be completely prevented, the risk can be reduced through proper neonatal care, careful oxygen management, and early screening. At our center, we work closely with neonatologists to monitor at-risk infants and provide timely treatment when needed.

If you’re looking for the best doctor for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Treatment in Jaipur, we recommend Dr. Abhishek Kothari at Pink City Eye & Retina Center. He is a highly experienced retina and uveitis specialist known for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

 The cost of ROP Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment needed. At Pink City Eye & Retina Center, we offer affordable and transparent pricing, with quality care from trusted doctors in Jaipur.

 You can book an appointment for ROP Treatment at Pink City Eye & Retina Center, Jaipur by calling us on 0141-4901083, emailing at [email protected], or walking in directly to our clinic. Appointments can be booked during our working hours — Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For the best care, book your consultation with Dr. Abhishek Kothari, our retina and uveitis expert, and ensure timely treatment for your eye health.

 Pink City Eye & Retina Center is one of the leading clinic/hospital in Jaipur for ROP Treatment. With advanced technology and expert care by Dr. Abhishek Kothari, we offer accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. 

Working hours

Need expert care? We are available at the below hours. Schedule your visit today!

MON – SAT

10AM – 7PM

BOOK

SUNDAY

10AM – 7AM

BOOK

Book Now

Consult Dr Abhishek Kothari

Get trusted and specialized care for all your eye concerns with advanced diagnosis, personalized treatment, and compassionate support — all under one roof.

Call Us

0141-4901083

Mail

[email protected]

Location

B92P, Surya Marg, Opp Ashta School, Tilak Nagar Enclave, Jaipur 302004