Premature twins saved from blindness

Doctors control Retinopathy of Prematurity before permanent vision damage

RAWALPINDI:

Doctors at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital have saved the eyesight of premature twin babies through timely medical intervention.

Seven-month-old twins, Ibrahim and Ismail, were diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), a condition affecting vision.

Doctors immediately initiated treatment and controlled the disease before it could cause permanent damage. The children's mother said timely treatment prevented possible blindness and provided encouragement during a difficult period.

The trust has made arrangements with various hospitals for screening, referral and surgical facilities. Through tele-ophthalmology services, free diagnosis and guidance are being provided to patients in remote areas and even abroad.

Eye specialist Dr Amjad said that mandatory eye screening should be introduced for premature babies, as up to 45 per cent of them are at risk of developing ROP.

He urged the government to declare neonatal eye screening compulsory.

According to Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, nearly one million babies are born prematurely in Pakistan each year, and up to 45 per cent are at risk of Retinopathy of Prematurity - a vision disorder that can cause permanent blindness if not treated promptly.

Since the launch of a dedicated ROP programme in 2013, approximately 19,000 children have been treated.

The trust's Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Department said that improved survival rates among newborns have increased the number of children vulnerable to ROP.

Blood vessels in the eye begin developing around three months into pregnancy and complete their growth at full term. Premature birth can disrupt this development, potentially damaging the retina. According to Dr Amjad, the highest risk is among babies weighing less than 1.5 kilograms at birth. Maintaining balanced oxygen levels can reduce the likelihood of ROP.