Retinopathy of Prematurity Program

Early diagnosis is important in the treatment of ROP. Babies who develop severe ROP may benefit from a laser photocoagulation treatment to the retina to induce regression of abnormal blood vessels and to prevent further damage from occurring. Laser treatment involves placing laser spots on the peripheral undeveloped retina. This stops the undeveloped retina from producing the excessive growth factors that promote retinopathy. Another possible treatment is the injection of a medication into the eye. This medication reduces the growth factors that promote retinopathy. Although these treatments are successful for most patients, a few patients may not do well and may still need further surgery.

Even with successful surgery, the baby will need to have continued care with a pediatric ophthalmologist. 

Lurie Children’s pediatric ophthalmologists will work with your family to find the best treatment option for your baby.

Lurie Children’s Division of Ophthalmology provides world-class treatment and care for a full range of pediatric eye disorders, including Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). In addition to treating and managing care for babies with ROP, the division is committed to advancing care through research. The team regularly collaborates with our own institution’s research department, other academic centers, and integrated national networks to be at the forefront of care.

The division takes great care in compliance with federal, state and institutional regulations with regards to research to provide the best safe care for our patients.

The ROP care team includes doctors with special training in ROP; including a Pediatric Retina Specialist: Safa Rahmani MD, whose specialties include pediatric retinal disease, pediatric retinal detachments, inherited retinal degenerations.

Premature babies born at or before 30 weeks or weighing 1500 grams (3lbs) or less, are at risk for developing ROP. If your baby meets these criteria, a dilated eye exam done by an Ophthalmologist is recommended to determine the presence or development of ROP. 

Lurie Children’s ROP Program has a team of pediatric ophthalmologists that will examine both eyes in the NICU and/or outpatient every 1-4 weeks. At each exam, the ophthalmologist will determine what stage (how severe) and zone (location inside the eye) ROP has developed in each eye or if the blood vessels have completed their growth. Once the blood vessels have completed their growth, follow-up is recommended 6-9 months from the last ROP exam for a pediatric ophthalmology dilated eye exam. While most cases of ROP resolve on their own, others may require treatment/surgery to help prevent vision loss or blindness. Lurie Children’s ROP Program ophthalmologists have specialized training to provide these treatments.

It is important to keep all outpatient follow-up appointments to lessen the risk for complications or vision loss.

Our team has been involved in the following research:

• The Butterfleye study: Randomized, Controlled, Multi-Center Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Intravitreal Aflibercept Compared to Laser Photocoagulation in Patients with Retinopathy of Prematurity (NCT04101721)
• IRB# 2019-2897- Tear biomarkers as prognostic indicators of infants who are at risk of developing severe of retinopathy of prematurity: a pilot data
• A Randomized Trial of Low-Dose Bevacizumab vs Laser for Type 1 ROP (ROP3) (NCT04634604) 
• Bevacizumab Treatment For Posterior Zone I ROP (ROP4) (NCT04634578) 

Learn more about ROP at KidsHealth.org.