What are the tests for retinopathy of prematurity?

Retinopathy is relatively common in premature babies. If parents suspect that their premature babies have retinopathy, they can do a retinopathy of prematurity test to confirm whether the child's retina is normal. Next, this article will introduce you to the relevant content of the retinopathy of prematurity test.

What are the tests for retinopathy of prematurity? The tests for retinopathy of prematurity are as follows:

1. Ask about medical history

Most cases occur in premature infants with a history of overoxygenation in incubators.

2. Fundus examination

1. Time of the first examination: It is recommended that fundus examination be performed 4 weeks after birth for premature infants with gestational age <32 weeks and birth weight <1500g.

2. Follow-up examination: No lesions or only stage I lesions in both eyes: Check once every other week until ROP regresses and the retinal blood vessels grow to the ora serrata. Stage II lesions, pre-threshold lesions, or Rush lesions: review once a week. As the degree of ROP decreases, the patient can be checked every 2 weeks until the lesion completely regresses. Stage III lesions: Review 2 to 3 times a week.

3. Examination method: Before examination: Use Midori Eye Drops to fully dilate the pupils half an hour before examination. During the examination: use Benoxit eye drops to anesthetize the surface of the eyeball, use an eyelid speculum to separate the eyelids, and use an indirect ophthalmoscope and a lens with a refractive power of 20 to 30D to perform fundus examination. Vital signs should be monitored during the examination to prevent bradycardia caused by the oculocardia reflex. After the examination: You can eat after 30 minutes to 2 hours. The lighter the weight, the longer the fasting period, but you must prevent the occurrence of hypoglycemia.

4. Symptoms: Endothelial proliferation nodules of capillaries appear in the retinal nerve fiber layer. The blood vessels are spherical in shape, and spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells may proliferate around them, resulting in thickening of the nerve fiber layer, and there may be small hemorrhages and edema. The nerve fiber layer further thickens, and the newly formed capillary sprouts penetrate the internal limiting membrane to reach the retinal surface. In severe cases, they may further enter the vitreous body, where they may continue to grow into vascular fiber membranes, causing bleeding or traction retinal detachment. Vascular fibrous membranes of varying degrees can be seen behind the lens, connected to the fibrous cords between the retinas. Anterior synechiae, posterior synechiae, pupillary membrane formation and changes in secondary glaucoma.

3. Doppler Ultrasound Examination

Adjust the gain to maximum and perform a comprehensive examination of the vitreous body using the 8-point inspection method. Then attenuate the gain to the normal range and observe the changes in the morphology of the lesion.

The above is an introduction to the examinations for retinopathy of prematurity. From the above introduction, we can know that the examinations for retinopathy of prematurity are more extensive and detailed, mainly including inquiries about the condition, fundus examination and ultrasound testing. These examinations can effectively diagnose whether the child has retinopathy of prematurity. If so, timely treatment is needed.