Retinopathy Of Prematurity Treatment in India
About Retinopathy Of Prematurity
Key Highlights
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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).
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Typical hospital stay:
0 days (typically performed during existing NICU admission)
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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.
Popular choices for retinopathy of prematurity in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform retinopathy of prematurity. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
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 | USD 440 – USD 1,652 | 0 days (typically performed during existing NICU admission) | ~ Initial healing: 1-2 weeks; Long-term visual monitoring: ongoing through childhood | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 3,278 – USD 12,293 | 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.
vijayawada, India
44 Doctors
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.
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 26 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata
- 43 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist