Early screening for retinopathy in premature infants.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a condition characterized by abnormal retinal development in premature infants. The risk is higher in infants born before 32 weeks (especially under 30 weeks) and weighing less than 1.5 kg (especially under 1.25 kg). Other factors such as prolonged high-dose oxygen therapy, anemia, postnatal blood transfusions, or being born as twins or triplets also increase the risk. If left undetected and untreated, the condition can lead to permanent blindness.

At the Neonatal Department of the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital of Dak Lak province, many parents shared their happiness that their children received timely screening and monitoring.

Ms. Le Mo H'Dac (Ea Ba commune) said: “My child was born prematurely at 33 weeks, weighing only 2 kg, and had to be on high-dose oxygen for an extended period. Thanks to the doctor's advice, I understand the importance of eye examinations to screen for ROP. My husband and I decided to stay at the hospital to wait for the doctor to examine our child's eyes for screening.”

Ms. La O May ( Gia Lai province) emotionally recounted: “After being diagnosed with ROP, my child was transferred to a higher-level hospital for treatment. At the follow-up appointment, hearing the doctor say that my child's retina was developing well, my husband and I were overjoyed and extremely grateful to the doctors.”

According to Dr. Nguyen Cong Du ( Phu Yen Eye Hospital), premature babies are often born with an underdeveloped retinal vascular system. After birth, this process can be abnormal, leading to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) – one of the preventable causes of blindness in young children. Retinopathy of prematurity can occur in both eyes. The incidence of ROP among premature babies is approximately 10%.

Doctors screen newborns for ROP.

Dr. Dự recommends that the first eye exam be performed when the child is 3-4 weeks old or under 31 weeks old (including gestational and postnatal age), depending on the subsequent timeline. Subsequent appointments should follow a schedule until the retinal blood vessels are fully developed or the disease regresses (usually when the baby reaches 45 weeks of gestational age). Even mild ROP, which does not require intervention, still needs monitoring because late complications such as strabismus, myopia, glaucoma, or retinal detachment can occur. Attending follow-up appointments is crucial for early intervention and to avoid the risk of vision loss.

Since its establishment in 2011, Phu Yen Eye Hospital has collaborated with the Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital to jointly preserve the sight of premature babies. Each year, doctors at Phu Yen Eye Hospital screen approximately 40-70 children for ROP (Recurrent Ophthalmic Impairment). Through this screening, a significant number of premature babies with ROP requiring treatment have been detected.

ROP screening is completely free of charge, provided by doctors at Phu Yen Eye Hospital. Children will be examined to determine the severity and stage of the disease, and doctors will advise on timely referral for treatment. Thanks to this, children have the opportunity to escape blindness and grow up with nearly normal eyesight.

According to Dr. Huynh Thu Thao (Dak Lak Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital), premature babies require special care, and eye screening for ROP (Recurrent Ophthalmitis) is a relatively complex procedure requiring collaboration between the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and ophthalmologists. The Dak Lak Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital is the initial reception and treatment center for premature babies. Afterward, the hospital will proactively plan the eye examination schedule, and upon notification, doctors from Phu Yen Eye Hospital will quickly coordinate to carry it out.

Dr. Huynh Phuc Nhi, Director of Phu Yen Eye Hospital, said: “For us, each screening case is not only a professional task but also a journey to preserve the sight and future of little lives. It is our responsibility, our conscience, and also the pride of an ophthalmologist. Therefore, Phu Yen Eye Hospital is always ready to cooperate with Dak Lak Provincial Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital in screening for ROP.”

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202512/tam-soat-som-benh-ly-vong-mac-o-tre-sinh-non-e6c1674/