Definition:
Also known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), retrolental fibroplasia (RLF), is an eye disease that primarily affects prematurely born babies.
Diagnosis:
Examining a preterm baby's retina is done to determine the zone (i.e. how far the retinal blood vessels have grown) and the stage (i.e. whether or not the vessels are growing flat along the walls of the eye) of the disease. Pupillary dilation may be induced using eye drops, followed by retinal examination using an indirect ophthalmoscope (a special lighted instrument). The retina's peripheral areas are then pushed into view using scleral depression.
Treatment:
Retinal fibroplasia may be treated through peripheral retinal ablation, wherein the avascular retina is destroyed using a solid state laser photocoagulation device. Vitrectomy surgery and/or scleral buckling may be advised for severe cases (usually in stage 4 and 5) that progress to retinal detachment. Another therapeutic measure is the intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin), which controls the aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.
Symptoms and Signs:
Retrolental fibroplasias may be mild and resolve spontaneously. However, in serious cases, it can lead to blindness.
Common symptoms of retrolental fibroplasias in preterm infants are visual disturbance, retinal detachment, absent papillary light reflexes, potential blindness, dilated or twisted eye vessels, opaque retrolental eye membrane, retinal edema, and retinal hemorrhages.
Causes:
Retrolental fibroplasia is believed to be a consequence of the disorganized growth of retinal blood vessels which may lead to a scarring or detachment of the retina. All premature babies have a predisposition to this disease. In addition, very low birth weight is another risk factor. Oxygen toxicity and relative hypoxia may also contribute to the development of retrolental fibroplasias.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
