What is Laser Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disorder that can affect babies who are born too early (prematurely). It happens when blood vessels in the retina of the eye grow abnormally. ROP can lead to vision loss, depending on how severe it is. Laser treatment (phototherapy) is a procedure that may be used in severe cases of ROP to prevent it from getting worse. During the procedure, a laser beam is used to destroy parts of the retina that are not developing properly.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies that run in your family.
• All medicines your child is taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems your child or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders that run in your family.
• Any medical conditions that run in your family.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.
• Damage to other structures or organs.
• Loss of side (peripheral) vision.
• Failure of the procedure.
• A need for more surgery.

What happens before the procedure?

• Your baby may be given breathing support (ventilation).

What happens during the procedure?

• To lower your baby’s risk of infection:
  • Your baby’s health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
• An IV will be inserted into one of your baby’s veins.
• Your baby may be given medicine to help him or her relax (sedative).
• If your baby is not already on ventilation, he or she may be put on ventilation. If your baby was on oxygen before the procedure, he or she may be given more oxygen temporarily, during the procedure.
• Eye drops will be used to widen (dilate) your baby’s pupil.
• An instrument may be used to keep your baby’s eye open.
• A lens may be placed over your baby’s eye. The lens will help to focus the laser beam.
• A laser will be directed through the pupil and used to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
• The procedure may be completed on the other eye.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Your baby will be monitored until the medicines he or she was given have worn off.
• Depending on the age of your baby and his or her other medical conditions, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for one day to be monitored after the procedure. You may be able to take your baby home after a shorter observation period.

Summary

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye disorder in which blood vessels in the retina of the eye grow abnormally.
• Laser treatment (phototherapy) is the use of a laser beam to destroy parts of the retina that are not developing properly. This is done to treat ROP.
• During the procedure, a laser will be directed through the pupil and used to destroy abnormal blood vessels in the eye.
• Your baby may be given breathing support (ventilation) before and during the procedure.
• Depending on the age of your baby and his or her other medical conditions, your baby may need to stay in the hospital for one day to be monitored after the procedure. You may be able to take your baby home after a shorter observation period.

Laser Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for your child after his or her procedure. Your child’s health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your child’s health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common for your child to have:

• Red eyes for a few days.
• Mild swelling of the eye area.
• Mild bleeding in the eye (subconjunctival hemorrhage).

Follow these instructions at home:

• Use eye drops as told by your baby’s health care provider. Always wash your hands before giving eye drops to your baby.
• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important. Your child will need regular eye exams throughout childhood.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your baby’s eyes continue to be red after several days.
• Your baby’s eyes become more red.
• There is discharge coming from your baby’s eyes.
• Your baby seems to have a change in vision.
• Your baby seems to have significant eye pain.

Get help right away if:

• Your baby seems to have a sudden change in vision.

Summary

• After the procedure, it is common for your child to have red eyes for a few days, and mild swelling and bleeding in the eye.
• Use eye drops as told by your baby’s health care provider. Always wash your hands before giving eye drops to your baby.
• Contact your child’s health care provider if your child’s eyes become more red, or if eye redness has not gone away after several days.