About this topic
Retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP, is an illness where blood vessels do not grow normally in the retina of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive part at the back of the eyes. When the blood vessels do not grow normally there might be bleeding or scarring of the retina. The retina may come loose from the back of the eye in very bad cases. This illness happens most often when babies are born early or are very small. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your baby will need to see a childrens eye doctor often. Be sure to keep all your follow-up visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Talk to your doctor about what drugs your baby will need to take. Make sure you give your baby all drugs as ordered on time. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Your babys activity should not be limited. ‚
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Prevent premature birth. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
Call your doctor if your baby has: ‚
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, change in the sound of your babys cry, crying too much, muscles become stiff, bulging or fullness of the soft spot on your baby's head, if you feel your child is lethargic, irritable, or confused, if your child has a faster or slower heart rate, or decreased amount of urine.
- Serious eye pain
- Blood, redness, or swelling of the eyes
- Eyesight getting worse
- White pupils
- Abnormal eye movements
- Crossed eyes
- Lazy eye
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my childs condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my child's eyes.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has abnormal eye movements or swelling or redness of the eyes.
Where can I learn more?
National Eye Institute ‚
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/rop/rop.asp ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/231/viewAbstract ‚
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. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚