Paediatric specialists in Ludhiana have reported a significant increase in eye disease risks among infants born prematurely over the past decade, with serious conditions nearly doubling. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding eye disorder, is increasingly being diagnosed in infants born before 34 weeks of gestation or with low birth weight. This condition primarily affects premature infants born before 31 weeks or weighing less than 1.5 kilograms at birth. ROP is caused by abnormal growth of blood vessels in the retina, and doctors classify it into five stages based on severity, with stage 5 posing the highest risk of blindness even after surgical intervention.
Critical Need for Early Detection
According to doctors at leading hospitals in Ludhiana, nearly 40 percent of premature infants exhibit signs of eye complications, and 15 to 20 percent are at risk of permanent blindness if timely care is not provided. Dr Priyanka Arora, an ophthalmology professor at Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), emphasised that early diagnosis is critical. She stated that if treatment begins within 48 hours of detection, blindness can be prevented in most cases. Screenings typically start four to six weeks after birth, or at 31 weeks post-menstrual age, for at-risk infants. While every newborn should ideally be screened, it becomes mandatory for premature births.
Rising Cases Linked to Improved Neonatal Survival
Medical experts attribute the rise in ROP cases to improved neonatal survival rates, but they warn that awareness among parents remains low. Dr Urvshi Sharma, a neonatologist at a city hospital, noted that advanced technology is saving more infants, yet many families are unaware of the need for regular eye check-ups. By the time parents seek help, the damage is often irreversible. Harpreet Kaur, a parent whose child underwent laser treatment at three weeks of age, shared her experience: she had no knowledge of the condition until doctors insisted on screening, which ultimately saved her child's eyesight.
Call for Mandatory Screening Protocols
Specialists are calling for better neonatal care facilities and mandatory screening protocols. Dr Arora stressed that every infant born prematurely should undergo an eye examination within the first month of life. The doctors urge healthcare providers and parents to prioritise eye health in premature infants to prevent avoidable blindness.
