Abstract

Study design:Cross sectional
Aim:ROP occurs in premature and low birth weight leading to visual impairment and even blindness.
Method:A hospital based study was conducted in preterm babies with birth weight <2kg and gestational age <37 wks and chronological age >14 days.Screening and staging of ROP was done
Results:Out of 131 infants,80% developed ROP amongst which 42% had zone III stage I or immature retina and 15% of babies with ROP had plus disease . It was observed that amongst babies with GA 28-32, 95% had ROP while 33% of babies with GA 38- 42 had ROP.
Conclusion: Low gestational age is a significant risk factor for ROP.ROP was found in 33% of babies with gestational age >38 wks. Hence screening should be intensified if other risk factors are present. Timely detection and treatment of ROP prevents blindness.The study recommends that screening guidelines if revised as per regional differences, will not miss identification of ROP and there by decrease prevalence of blindness.