Newborns can also be affected by blindness.
A type of problem can occur in the blood vessels of the eyes of newborns. One of the causes of blindness in newborns is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The development of blood vessels in the eyes of a baby occurs at the age of four months of pregnancy.
This process is almost completed at the time of birth. In the peripheral part of the retina, the development of blood vessels is sometimes somewhat incomplete (at the time of birth). This is especially the case in children who are born prematurely. The very peripheral part of the retina devoid of blood vessels is called the retinal peripheral avascular part. It is not unusual for this avascular part of the retina to be present at birth for some reason.
Immediately after birth, i.e. within a month, this avascular part is nourished by normal blood vessels. However, sometimes this is disturbed. In the case of babies who are in neonatal care or on artificial oxygen immediately after birth, a kind of constriction of the blood vessels occurs temporarily due to the effect of excess oxygen. Later, when the newborn is released from artificial oxygen and returns to normal breathing, the blood vessels inside the eye, that is, the cells, temporarily decrease in oxygen.
Due to this sudden decrease in oxygen levels, new blood vessels tend to form in the avascular part of the retina. The nature of these newly formed blood vessels is that they are malnourished and fragile. This condition of the retina with abnormal blood vessels is called retinopathy of prematurity. The new blood vessels that are formed bleed very easily. Bleeding later leads to various complications, leading to blindness. This problem usually acts as a regulator due to oxygen deficiency or ischemia in the peripheral part of the retina and the effect of a chemical called endothelial vascular growth factor.
Risk factors for ROP: Premature babies, especially those born before 32 weeks, are at higher risk. Those weighing less than 1,600 grams at birth are at higher risk. Babies who need artificial oxygen immediately after birth. Babies who have anemia, sepsis, and vitamin E deficiency.
Detection: If retinopathy of prematurity is detected early and measures are taken quickly, blindness can be prevented. The only way to diagnose this problem is to have an eye exam. In this case, special arrangements are needed in the hospital or clinic. It is very important to have an eye exam for all newborns with risk factors.
The first ROP screening is required when the newborn is one month old. Later, if necessary, screening should be continued at intervals of 1 to 3 weeks. Children with ROP problems may later develop problems such as vision problems, blurred vision or squint, and amblyopia or visual suppression. Therefore, these children should be followed up for a long time.
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