1. What is ROP?

2. How do I get more information?

What is ROP?

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding condition affecting babies born prematurely, especially those weighing less than 1,250 grams.  With increasing survival among premature births due to advances in neonatal care, there have been an increasing number of these cases.

ROP affects the retina, particularly the immature portion of the retina when the baby is born prematurely.  This part of the retina can either develop normally or abnormally.  Abnormal development is characterized by stages from the formation of a demarcation line (stage 1) followed by an elevated ridge (stage 2) and, lastly, neovascular growth (stage 3).  If untreated, some of these eyes progress to partial retinal detachment (stage 4) and total retinal detachment (stage 5).

Several studies have shown that early treatment reduces the risk of poor vision from structural damage caused by ROP in a subset of infants. Laser treatment can be done for eyes that are at risk.  Once the condition reaches stage 4, surgical management (vitrectomy) is an option.

An early referral to the ophthalmologist is essential in screening these babies.  The screening should be done: before the baby is discharged from the hospital, if the baby is 4 to 6 weeks old, or if the baby is between 31 to 36 weeks post gestational age.  During examination, the baby’s pupils are dilated widely, a topical anesthetic is given and a lid speculum is placed to hold the eyelids open.  The ophthalmologist then recommends follow-up or treatment depending on the stage of ROP if present.

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How do I get more information?

 

There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic: Hover note: Please place your mouse cursor over the red box to click on the web and email links. For websites, a new browser window will open. For emails, your default email program will open. You may cut and paste the URLs or email addresses if you prefer not to open new windows. ONLINE ACCESS WEBSITES.      http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic      http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic Consultants Philippines Co. -      http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive Surgery Resource      http://www.Cataract.com.ph  - Cataract Surgery Resource      http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye Information Online      http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids      http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina Surgery Resource      http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma Online      http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online EMAIL. After writing down your comments, suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how to get in touch with you by providing your name, email, home/office numbers, and mobile phone.      General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph       Administrative - president@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Website - webmaster@EyeRepublic.com.ph      Newsletter - newsletter@EyeRepublic.com.ph (receive news and updates, discounts and promotions) BLOG. Send us your comments.      EYE REPUBLIC      Ophthalmology Atlas CLINIC INFORMATION      Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC (send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart).
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Manila 3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310 1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita Manila, 1000 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398 Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30 Mobile: (63917) 899-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Asian Hospital and Medical Center 5/F Medical Office Building (MOB) Suite 509 2205 Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang Muntinlupa City, 1781 Philippines Direct: (632) 771-9253 Direct and Fax: (632) 771-9254 Mobile: (63917) 795-2020 Map and Directions
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic Medical City 6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602 MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue Pasig City, 1604, Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846 Mobile: (63917) 537-2020 Map and directions	EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic St. Luke's Medical Center 6/F Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC) North Tower Suite 614 279 E. Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard Quezon City, 1102 Philippines Direct and Fax: (632) 407-3883 Mobile: (63917) 855-2020 Map and directions
CLINIC HOURS First-Come, First-Served Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays

RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY information compiled by Dr. Michael Santos and initially uploaded on August 7, 2005.

Last updated on September 14, 2007.