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Programs for Detecting and Treating Retinopathy of Prematurity: Role of the Neonatal Team
Sudhanshu Grover1, Deeksha Katoch, Mangat R Dogra
1Neonatal Unit, Department of Pediatrics, and #Department of Ophthalmology, Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Correspondence to: Dr Praveen Kumar, Professor, Neonatal unit, Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical education and Research, Chandigarh 160 012, India. drpkumarpgi@gmail.com.
Insights
High-quality perinatal-neonatal care and timely screening significantly reduce severe Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Early detection and intervention are crucial for good visual outcomes and preventing blindness.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Ophthalmology
- Public health initiatives
Background:
- Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of preventable blindness in preterm infants.
- National guidelines and programs aim for early identification and intervention of ROP.
- Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of high-quality perinatal-neonatal care in preventing severe ROP.
- To emphasize the critical role of timely screening and treatment for preserving vision in affected preterm infants.
- To underscore the necessity of a coordinated, team-based strategy for national ROP control.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical practice guidelines and national health programs for ROP.
- Emphasis on evidence-based screening policies and inter-professional collaboration.
- Utilization of home-based neonatal care for high-risk infant follow-up.
Main Results:
- High-quality care and timely interventions can prevent most cases of severe ROP.
- Early screening and treatment lead to favorable visual outcomes.
- National programs and guidelines support ROP prevention and management.
Conclusions:
- A coordinated team approach involving neonatologists, ophthalmologists, nurses, and obstetricians is essential.
- Neonatologists play a key role in educating healthcare workers and families.
- Inter-sectoral coordination is vital for reducing the national burden of ROP-related blindness.
Abstract:
High quality perinatal-neonatal care can prevent severe Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in most cases. Preterm infants who do develop retinopathy can also have good visual outcomes if screening and treatment are done timely. National Neonatology Forum published clinical practice guidelines for timely screening and treatment of ROP in neonatal care units in the country in 2010. It is also listed as one of the condition under Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram for early identification and early intervention, and is currently a focus area under the National Program for Control of Blindness. Technical and operational guidelines for screening and treatment have been released. Programs like home-based neonatal care can be utilized for ensuring timely screening and follow-up of high-risk infants. Prevention, timely diagnosis and treatment requires well-coordinated teamwork between neonatologists, ophthalmologists, nurses and obstetricians. The neonatal care team should have an evidence-based screening policy, must coordinate and facilitate screening by ophthalmologist, and provide pre and post-operative support, if treatment is required. The neonatologist also has an important responsibility of educating the healthcare workers and the families. A team approach and inter-sectoral coordination are the keys to success of a national drive to decrease the burden of preventable blindness due to ROP.
