Initial handling of preterm infants are aimed at saving the lives of the unborn baby. Not that means, other organs are ignored. Well, one of the vital organs that need attention are the eyes. The risk of blindness can occur.

Premature babies are prone to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or retinal tissue abnormalities in premature babies. About 10 percent of babies born preterm had ROP.

The retina is a very vital organ of the eye tissue. Organ works capture light stimuli so that one could see. Retinal blood vessels, began to develop at 16 weeks gestation and perfectly formed 40-week time step. While the growth of blood vessels, premature infants are not perfect.

Imperfect growth that makes the emergence of abnormal blood vessels. Effects, complications of bleeding or retinal tissue damage. This is a potentially permanent blindness baby.

Premature babies most at risk are infants born at gestational age less than 32 weeks. Moreover, with low birth weight, less than 1,500 grams. Or, one of two conditions plus the high-risk clinical situation. For example, hypoxemia (blood oxygen needs are not met) and other accompanying diseases.

To prevent blindness due to ROP, need coordination between the pediatrician and ophthalmologist. Examination of the retina in premature infants can be done from the age of four weeks after birth. If the little still in the incubator, the examination can still be done.

So far, according to the doctor's glasses, many parents are late coming to the eye specialist. They just realize there are abnormalities in the baby when invited interaction. When your child brought home, the baby's family should be told to check the baby to the eye specialist immediately. Expect no more than two weeks.

Permanent blindness, could be prevented if detected early. Handling of ROP depends degrees illness. If mild, often do not need therapy, but still be strict supervision. At least every two weeks have seen the condition of retina.

In more severe ROP action laser Photocoagulation or cryotherapy in areas damaged retina. That way, most of the retina that is still healthy can be saved. However, premature infants with a history of ROP potential eye abnormalities. For example, high minus, cross-eyed, and lazy eye. But, they still have the ability to see. Compared with no treatment that ended with blindness.