Retinopathy of prematurity is a disease of the eye that affects prematurely born babies. It is thought to be caused by disorganized growth of retinal blood vessels which may result in scarring and retinal detachment. ROP can be mild and may resolve spontaneously, but may lead to blindness in serious cases. Worse, the disease can not always be cured by the conventional treatment.
Scientists, at the 2008 Joint Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Academy) and European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) are likely to discuss the problem.
Building on earlier studies that showed good results, Alay S. Banker, MD, and his colleagues, Banker's Retina Clinic and Laser Centre, Gujarat, India, evaluated anti-VEGF therapy in 21 babies (34 eyes) who had or were at high risk for ROP. Fourteen eyes received laser and then anti-VEGF injections; 12 eyes received anti-VEGF injection only; and six eyes received anti-VEGF, then laser treatment.
All babies were examined one day after treatment, weekly for a month, and monthly thereafter. In all babies' eyes - including those that received anti-VEGF treatment only - the abnormal blood vessels resolved without further treatment, and no adverse results were seen in any eyes or in the babies' general health status in follow-up exams at about 37 weeks after treatment (mean age: 37.5 weeks).
Source: Science Centric
Filed under Eye Diseases | Tags: American Academy of Ophthalmology, anti-VEGF injection, European Society of Ophthalmology, eye, laser, laser treatment, Retinopathy of prematurity | Comment Below
Related?
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) linked with weight gaining: New studyApril 7th, 2009 Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), or retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is a disease of the eye that affects prematurely born babies. A new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, suggests that following weekly weight development might replace the need for considerably more expensive ophthalmological examinations.
Remote Diagnosis Curbs Retinopathy of Prematurity in ChildrenJune 22nd, 2006 Thanks to a Stanford telemedicine program, doctors can remotely diagnose Retinopathy of Prematurity, or ROP, a condition that threatens 80,000 premature babies annually in the United States and causes blindness in up to 600. Babies can be diagnosed quickly using the new technology.
Millions of Americans are in threat of diabetes related vision lossOctober 29th, 2008 In the month of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness, a recent report on eye disease reveals about a fact that millions of Americans who are suffering from diabetes are in serious threat of vision loss. And to prevent that, American Academy of Ophthalmology is urging to millions of these population to go for eye test visit to their ophthalmologist for eye check-ups.
New guidelines for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity proved betterNovember 18th, 2008 The new method to treat the retinopathy of prematurity has been published. The study, titled The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity study, established new guidelines that are proved to be better than the earlier ones.
Prevension of Vision Loss Saves Both Sight and MoneyFebruary 5th, 2007 According to a study published today in the journal Ophthalmology, poor vision is costing Medicare more than $2 billion per year in non-eye related maladies and healthcare needs. As a result, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is calling for Medicare and other medical insurance plans to place a stronger emphasis on providing preventive eye care for all Americans.
New method to identify pre-term infants who risk eye diseaseApril 8th, 2009 LONDON - Researchers have worked out a simple way to establish which premature infants are at risk of developing eye disease that can threaten their sight. A new study suggests monitoring weekly weight development might replace the need for much more expensive ophthalmological examinations.
Top 10 risk factors associated with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)April 15th, 2009 Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is one of the leading causes of blindness among children. About 16,000 premature babies a year get some degree of RoP, and it's on the rise.
EyeCare America to celebrate Diabetes Awareness MonthNovember 5th, 2008 Diabetes is the growing epidemic in the world, especially USA. It is taking the shape of an epidemic there.
