DEFINITION
Retinopathy In Premature Babies is a situation where there
is interference with the formation of blood vessels of the retina in premature
infants. Severe retinopathy is characterized by retinal vessel proliferation,
scarring and retinal detachment.
CAUSE
Retinal blood vessels begin to form when 3 months after
conception and fully formed by the time the baby is born. If a baby is born
prematurely, the impaired development. Retinal blood vessels will begin to form
again when the baby's general condition improved and most will grow perfectly.
At retinopathy of prematurity, retinal blood vessels grow
abnormally, ie into the clear fluid that fills the back of the eye. Here, the
blood vessels do not have a network of advocates to be very fragile and often
experience bleeding inside the eye. This will be followed by the formation of
scar tissue that pull the retina of the inner layer of the eyeball toward the
center so that the retina can come loose. As a result, there can be vision
problems, or if the condition was severe, can lead to total blindness.
Many premature babies with impaired growth in the retina
that are temporary, but it is usually followed by a normal growth without
treatment. Only about 1 in 10 infants with more severe retinopathy.
In the past, the use of excessive oxygen can stimulate the
growth of abnormal blood vessels. Currently, oxygen consumption can be
monitored accurately and easily, so that blood vessel growth disorders are
rare.
The risk of retinopathy because premturitas proportional to
the severity of prematurity; the smaller the baby is born, the higher the risk
of retinopathy.
SYMPTOMS
Newborns who have retinopathy in prematurity usually has no
symptoms. However, severe retinopathy can cause the following symptoms:
·
Leukokoria (white pupils)
·
Nystagmus (abnormal movement of the eyeball)
·
Strabismus (squint)
·
Severe myopia (nearsightedness)
DIAGNOSIS
Retinopathy of prematurity can be diagnosed with the help of
ophthalmoscopy examinations. Eye examinations in preterm infants made within
4-9 weeks after delivery and then carried out a re-examination every few weeks
until the blood vessels of the retina formed. In infants who have scarring
caused by retinopathy, an eye examination should be repeated every 1 year
lifetime.
TREATMENT
Mild retinopathy often experience a spontaneous healing
process. But although there has been a healing, infants have a risk of
suffering from nearsightedness, strabismus and visual impairment.
In the severe retinopathy, can be done with laser surgery or
cryotherapy (freezing surgical therapy) to stop the growth of abnormal blood
vessels and reduce the risk of retinal detachment and visual impairment. If
retinal detachment has occurred, it is necessary to surgically restore the
retina into place.
PREVENTION
The most effective prevention is to prevent premature birth.
If a baby is born prematurely and suffered from respiratory problems, there
should be strict monitoring of oxygen consumption.
REFERENCE
- G, Paul B. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Medline Plus. 2013.
- J, Elana P. B. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Kids Health.
2013.
- K, Arthur E. Retinopathy of Prematurity. Merck Manual Home
Health Handbook. 2009.
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