Abstract :
Aim: To find out prevalence of Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and congenital malformations in a series
of consecutive 500 premature babies, and to study various risk factors associated with ROP.
Materials and Methods: Hospital based prospective observational study of 500 consecutive premature
babies admitted to the specialized newborn care unit and attending to the eye OPD having gestational age
less Risk factors such as gestational age, birth weight, twin pregnancy, history of oxygenation and systemic
illness were assessed. Infants having signs of ROP were referred to vitreo-retina specialist.
Results: A total of 500 premature consecutive babies were examined. Incidence of ROP was found to be
6.8% (n = 34), the majority of whom (20) had Stage I ROP. Seven (22%) of the infants having ROP weighed
treatment (67%) and respiratory distress syndrome (41%) sepsis 26.5%. 8% babies also developed retinal
haemorrhages. 31 babies were found to have some or other forms of Congenital ocular anomalies.
Conclusion: Retinopathy of prematurity is the leading cause of blindness in the premature infants. Staging
the disease correctly and following the national treatment guidelines and timely screening could help in
reducing the burden.
Keyword :
Premature birth, ROP, Congenital ocular anomaly.