Eye Exam for Retinopathy of Prematurity
by
Amy Scholten, MPH DefinitionEye exams can show the tissue and blood vessels at the back of the eye. This area is called the retina of the eye. Babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) have problems with blood vessel growth in this area.
Reasons for ProcedureROP can cause vision problems or loss in some babies. This exam is done to:
Possible ComplicationsDuring the exam, the baby may need eye drops. The doctor will go over any problems that may be caused by eye drops, such as:
Talk about these risks with the doctor before the eye exam. What to ExpectPrior to Procedure
The doctor will put eye drops in the baby’s eyes. These will make the pupils open wide. The drops will take about 30 to 60 minutes to work. AnesthesiaEyedrops may be used to numb the eyes. This will help keep the baby comfortable. Description of the ProcedureThe baby will be gently held during the exam. A special device will keep the baby's eyelids open. The doctor will look into the eye with a special lens. It will send a beam of bright light into the eye. This will help the doctor see the blood vessels. The doctor may also use a tool to move the eye in different directions. How Long Will It Take?30 to 60 minutes total but the test itself is just a few minutes Will It Hurt?The eye drops can cause stinging. The bright light can irritate the baby but the test will be over quickly. The care team will take steps to keep the baby as comfortable as possible. Medicine may be needed if the baby is having trouble with comfort. Post-procedure CareAt the Care CenterAfter the exam, the doctor will talk to you about the baby’s eyes. Follow up with the doctor for any further exams or procedures. At HomeThe baby’s eyes may be dilated for 4 to 24 hours. Call Your DoctorCall the doctor if your baby has any problems such as:
If you think your baby has an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org National Eye Institute http://www.nei.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Ophthalmology Society http://www.eyesite.ca Canadian Pediatric Society http://www.cps.ca References:Freitas, A, Mörschbächer, R, Thorell, M, et al. Incidence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity: a retrospective cohort study. Int J Retin Vitr 4, 20 (2018). Accessed December 23, 2020.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
https://www.dynamed.com/condition/retinopathy-of-prematurity-rop-20. Accessed December 23, 2020 .
Retinopathy of prematurity. National Eye Institute website. Available at:
https://www.nei.nih.gov/health/rop. Accessed December 23, 2020. Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Mary-Beth Seymour, RN Last Updated: 12/23/2020 | |
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