Why is this procedure done?
Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye condition. It is also called ROP. It happens in babies who are born very early or are very small. In ROP, extra blood vessels grow inside the eye. This may cause bleeding or scarring of the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eyes. In serious cases, the scarring pulls the retina out of position. Your baby may have problems seeing if there is damage to the retina. ‚
An eye doctor will look at the inside of your babys eyes. The doctor uses a special lens to check for blood vessels that are not normal in the retina. ‚
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What will the results be?
The results will help your eye doctor understand if there is a problem with your babys eyes. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your babys eye doctor will learn about your baby's history.
- Do not feed your baby right before the exam.
- The nurse caring for your baby will put eye drops in both eyes. This will make the pupils bigger. It also makes it easier for the doctor to see inside the eye.
What happens during the procedure?
- Your baby will be wrapped and held in a blanket during the exam.
- The eye doctor may put drops of a drug into the eyes to numb them.
- The doctor uses a small eyelid tool to keep your babys eyelid open. It looks like a paper clip.
- The doctor will check your baby's retina using a special lens. The doctor may also use a small probe to gently move the eye. Then the doctor can see the retina in many positions.
- The exam takes 30 to 60 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- Your baby may feel pain after the exam. Your babys doctor may give drugs for pain.
- Your baby's eye doctor will tell you about the condition of your baby's eyes.
What follow-up care is needed?
The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor will let you know if your baby needs more tests or treatment. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Talk to the eye doctor about the drugs your baby will need to take. The doctor may order eye drops for your baby. Make sure that your baby gets these drugs as ordered. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain in the eye
- Red eyes
- Lid swelling
- Blurred eyesight
- Light sensitivity
Helpful tips
A pacifier may calm your baby during this exam. ‚
Where can I learn more?
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/rop/rop.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚