Kulsum International Hospital

Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening and Treatment

On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Who it may help
  3. What the service includes
  4. What to expect
  5. At KIH

Overview

Babies born very early or very small can develop retinopathy of prematurity, which can lead to blindness if not treated in time. Timely screening finds the babies who need treatment.

Who it may help

  • Babies born before about 32 weeks of pregnancy
  • Babies with a birth weight under 1.5 kg
  • Larger premature babies who were very unwell or needed a lot of oxygen

What the service includes

Eye examinations by an eye specialist in the neonatal unit or clinic, repeated every one to two weeks until the retina matures, and laser treatment or eye injections when needed.

What to expect

Eye drops are used to widen the pupils before each check. Babies may be briefly uncomfortable, and staff help soothe them.

At KIH

KIH's neonatal team identifies babies at risk and can arrange ROP screening and treatment with an eye specialist.

This information is for general education. Your doctor will explain whether this treatment is suitable for you, and its benefits and risks. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Our doctors

Consultants in the KIH departments that provide Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening and Treatment.