DR. TITHI KUNDU

Abstract

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) ,a retinal vaso-proliferative disorder affecting preterm babies, has emerged as a major cause of blindness across the world and is now emerging in proportion in developing countries due to mushrooming of intensive care unit.

In this institution based prospective study 60 babies with aggressive progressive retinopathy of prematurity (APROP) or ROP with Plus disease were given intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and followed up for signs of regression and recurrences. 42 babies (70%) showed involution of ROP, whereas the 18 babies (30%) showing recurrence of tortuosity underwent laser photocoagulation.

In conclusion, Anti-VEGF Ranibizumab if injected timely in diagnosed cases of APROP is highly beneficial as it reduces the need of primary laser therapy which decreases the visual field and causes myopic progression. As there is no permanent scarring on the peripheral retina IVR is better in the long term visual outcome of the babies.