Retinopathy of Prematurity in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, and Munster, IN

Our eye care specialists at Ticho Eye Associates are proud to offer an expansive list of pediatric ophthalmic services, including treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This eye condition primarily affects premature babies who were born before 31 weeks of gestation. This disorder causes abnormal blood vessels to grow inside the eye, which damages the retina. Since the retina is a vital part of healthy vision, if left untreated, this eye disease can lead to complete blindness. Unfortunately, ROP usually doesn't present any symptoms until its later stages. The best way to diagnose retinopathy of prematurity is to have your baby's eyes examined by a board-certified ophthalmologist. To book a pediatric eye exam, contact our office in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN.

The goal is to detect ROP during its initial stages to stop the growth of abnormal blood vessels to prevent retinal detachment and blindness. For some babies, this condition may clear up on its own over time. On average, some form of treatment is typically needed to prevent unwanted damage. These therapies may include injecting medicine into the eye, scleral buckling, vitrectomy, or laser surgery. Once we have performed a thorough eye exam, we can discuss all the treatment options and help you decide on the best solution. It's important to note that even with surgery, some babies may still experience partial or full vision loss. Babies who have ROP surgery should undergo yearly eye exams well into adulthood to monitor their vision and overall ocular health.

At Ticho Eye Associates, we understand that ROP can be scary, but our team is here to guide you through all the best treatment options for your child. We will also educate you on the long-term health measures you should take for monitoring your baby's vision. To learn more about retinopathy of prematurity, call our eye care center in Chicago Ridge, IL, Tinley Park, IL, or Munster, IN.