Comm Eye Health Vol. 30 No. 99 2017 pp 68. Published online 11 November 2017.

Key community eye health messages

Related content
Preterm infant in an incubator on a neonatal unit
© GERTFRIK/123RF

Babies born before 36 weeks (preterm) are at risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

  • The more preterm they are, the greater the risk
  • Poor neonatal care increases the risk, even in less premature babies
Foot of preterm infant with pulse oximeter attached
©Napocska/Shutterstock

It is possible to prevent ROP from causing visual impairment and blindness. This requires:

  • High quality neonatal care. If there is not enough equipment to safely deliver and monitor oxygen, this must be strongly advocated for
  • Screening: All babies at risk must be screened before 30 days after birth
  • Treatment: Laser treatment should be given urgently, with confluent spots
  • Follow-up: All children born preterm are at risk of visual impairment and must be followed up by an ophthalmologist and/or optometrist
Clinician talking to a mother about her preterm baby
© PHFI

Parents are important members of the eye care and neonatal team

  • Involve parents in the day-to-day care of the baby and encourage kangaroo care
  • Keep parents informed of the need for screening and the results of screening, and the need for urgent treatment, if required
  • Ensure parents understand the need for follow-up visits