Learn about Retinopathy Of Prematurity Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Retinopathy Of Prematurity and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) treatment is a critical, sight-saving procedure performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist to prevent blindness in premature infants. ROP is a condition where abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, which can lead to retinal detachment and severe vision loss. The primary treatments include laser photocoagulation or intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF medication, which aim to halt the progression of abnormal vessel growth. Cryotherapy is a less common alternative. This delicate procedure is performed under microscopic guidance in a neonatal intensive care setting, often while the infant is under sedation. Timely intervention is crucial and is determined by a detailed eye exam that stages the severity of the disease. Successful treatment can preserve central vision and prevent lifelong disability.

Key Highlights

    Prevents progression to retinal detachment and blindness in premature infants.Multiple treatment modalities available (laser, injections) tailored to the infant's condition.Performed with precision using advanced microscopic technology.Minimally invasive procedures help preserve as much healthy retinal tissue as possible.Critical for long-term visual development and quality of life.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) reaching 'Threshold' or 'Type 1' disease, as defined by international classification.
  • Progressive abnormal blood vessel growth (neovascularization) in the retina.
  • Plus disease (dilation and tortuosity of retinal blood vessels).
  • Infants born at a gestational age of less than 31 weeks or with a birth weight less than 1500 grams are at highest risk and require screening.
  • Zone I ROP with any stage, or Zone II ROP with stage 2 or 3 with plus disease.

How to prepare

  • Detailed retinal examination by an ophthalmologist to stage and zone the ROP.
  • Pupil dilation using infant-safe eye drops to allow a full view of the retina.
  • Coordination with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) team for monitoring and support.
  • Administration of topical anesthetic drops and possibly sedation or general anesthesia as deemed safe by the pediatric anesthesiologist.
  • Informed consent discussion with the parents or guardians explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Risks & possible complications

  • Short-term risks include conjunctival hemorrhage, corneal abrasion, or eyelid swelling.
  • Potential for under-treatment or over-treatment, requiring additional procedures.
  • Rare risks include infection (endophthalmitis), cataract formation, or intraocular hemorrhage.
  • With anti-VEGF injections, there is a small risk of systemic side effects and a higher chance of disease recurrence requiring retreatment.
  • Long-term risks can include high myopia (nearsightedness), strabismus (eye misalignment), or glaucoma.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Immediate post-procedure monitoring in the NICU for vital signs and comfort.
  • Use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
  • Close follow-up eye exams are mandatory, typically within 1-2 weeks, to assess treatment response.
  • Parents will be advised on signs of potential complications, such as increased redness, swelling, or sensitivity to light.
  • Long-term ophthalmological follow-up is essential throughout childhood to monitor visual development and manage any refractive errors or amblyopia (lazy eye).
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (typically performed during existing NICU admission)
  • checked Expected recovery time: Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Long-term visual monitoring: ongoing through childhood

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering retinopathy of prematurity in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for retinopathy of prematurity compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 40 Thousand – 150 Thousand 0 days (typically performed during existing NICU admission) ~ Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Long-term visual monitoring: ongoing through childhood Know More
Turkey TRY 140 Thousand – 525 Thousand 0 days (typically performed during existing NICU admission) ~ Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Long-term visual monitoring: ongoing through childhood Know More

Top hospitals for Retinopathy Of Prematurity in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing retinopathy of prematurity.

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89+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa

  • Iconvijayawada, India
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2882+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Whitefield

  • IconBangalore, India
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135+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Goa

  • IconPanaji, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

Patient Name: John Shah. Age &...

Patient Name: John Shah. Age & Background: 4 months old, born at 26 weeks gestation, spent 12 weeks in the NICU. Symptoms/History: Routine screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) at his neonatal follow-up clinic revealed Stage 3 ROP with 'plus disease' in zone II of both retinas. The abnormal, tortuous blood vessels posed a high risk of retinal detachment and blindness if left untreated. Doctor Recommendation: The pediatric ophthalmologist recommended laser photocoagulation, a procedure to ablate the peripheral, avascular retina to stop the growth of the abnormal vessels. Treatment Experience: Under general anesthesia, John underwent bilateral laser treatment, which took about an hour. His parents waited anxiously, comforted by the surgical team's updates. Post-Procedure Recovery Outcome: The procedure was successful. Follow-up exams over the next weeks showed regression of the plus disease and stabilization of the ROP. John will need lifelong ophthalmology follow-ups for risks of myopia and strabismus, but his central vision was preserved. Emotional Journey: His parents, already weary from the NICU journey, felt a new wave of fear at the diagnosis. The word 'laser' and 'blindness' were terrifying. After the procedure, seeing the positive follow-up results brought immense relief and hope for their son's future, though they remain vigilant about his ongoing care.

Ophthalmologists for Retinopathy Of Prematurity

Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform retinopathy of prematurity and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Poonam Yadav
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rita Dash
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. NAVYA MANNEM
  • 5 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lucky Kharbanda
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajat Anand
  • 28 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. L Geetha
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rakesh Parashar
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital,, Faridabad

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Prarthana Anand
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Gaurav Suryawanshi
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. N V Raghunath Rao
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sugato Pal
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Naveen Kumar Naik
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Ashwini P
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 950
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mridula Pentapati
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mukta Shrivastava
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anindya Anuradha
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Raviraj Shravan Gaydhankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Nirmala
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Mohammed Sadiq
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 350
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. G Seethapathy
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Ophthalmologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated