Protecting the Vision of Premature Infants at Erdem Hospital

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder affecting the retina of babies born prematurely. The condition disrupts the normal development of retinal blood vessels, which are not completely formed until close to full term. If the disease progresses, abnormal vessel growth and scar tissue formation can lead to retinal detachment and irreversible blindness. ROP is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide.

At Erdem Hospital, we recognize the urgency and critical timing required for ROP management. Our dedicated Pediatric Ophthalmology and Neonatology teams collaborate to provide prompt, specialized screening and advanced, sight-saving treatments for at-risk infants.

For families with premature infants who require immediate, highly specialized intervention, the costs and logistical difficulties in many countries can be immense. Turkey offers advanced ROP management, including complex surgical and anti-VEGF therapies, delivered by expert vitreoretinal surgeons at a fraction of the cost.

Causes, Risk Factors, and Screening Protocols

ROP is a multifactorial disorder. The most significant risk factors are directly linked to prematurity:

• Low Gestational Age (GA): Infants born before 31 weeks are at the highest risk.
• Low Birth Weight (BW): Infants with a birth weight of 1,500 grams (3.3 pounds) or less are universally screened.
• Other Risk Factors: Prolonged supplemental oxygen use, infections (sepsis), anemia, and other serious medical problems.

Screening (Early Detection): Screening is the cornerstone of ROP management. Protocols are meticulously timed:

• Initial Screening: Typically performed by an ophthalmologist between four to nine weeks after birth or at a specific Postmenstrual Age (PMA) (around 31 to 34 weeks), depending on the baby's GA at birth.
• Screening Technique: Performed using an indirect ophthalmoscope after pupil dilation to examine the entire retina.

Advanced Treatment Options

Most ROP cases (85-90%) are mild and regress spontaneously. Treatment is initiated for severe cases (Type 1 ROP) to prevent retinal detachment:

• Laser Photocoagulation (LPC): The most common and established treatment. A laser beam is used to create small burns on the avascular (undeveloped) areas of the peripheral retina, stopping the abnormal vessels from forming. LPC successfully treats ROP about 90% of the time.
• Anti-VEGF Injections: A newer treatment involving an injection into the eye of an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent (e.g., Bevacizumab or Ranibizumab). This medication directly suppresses the growth of the abnormal blood vessels.
• Vitreoretinal Surgery (VRS): Required for advanced ROP (Stage 4 or 5) where the retina is partially or totally detached.

What's Included in the ROP Treatment Journey

A specialized package ensures the complex medical journey is supported for the family:

• VIP airport-hotel-hospital transfers so you're never navigating on your own.
• A three-night stay in premium accommodation (often longer stays are required for ROP monitoring).
• Pre-treatment consultation and urgent diagnostic assessments.
• The chosen procedure (LPC, Anti-VEGF injection, or VRS).
• A full aftercare kit with any required medications or drops.
• One year follow-up support to check progress and answer questions.
• English-speaking staff and interpreters so nothing gets lost in translation.

Treatment Prices Compare

ROP treatment in Turkey offers world-class care with significant cost benefits.

• The cost of ROP surgery (e.g., VRS for Stage 4-5) in Turkey generally ranges from $3,500 to $6,500.
• This offers substantial savings compared to similar high-level procedures in Western countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How soon after birth should a premature baby be screened for ROP?
• What is the difference between ROP Stage 3 and Plus Disease?
• What are the long-term risks for babies who received laser treatment for ROP?
• Are there long-term side effects from Anti-VEGF injections in infants?
• Will a child who had ROP need regular eye exams throughout life?
• What other eye problems can ROP cause later in childhood?
• Is Vitreoretinal Surgery performed under general anesthesia for an infant?
• How long must the baby be monitored after receiving an Anti-VEGF injection?
• How is Amblyopia related to ROP?
• What is the success rate of Laser Photocoagulation in stopping the disease progression?

Restoring Confidence Through Specialized Pediatric Care

ROP is a crisis that requires immediate, expert attention. At Erdem Hospital, we understand that treatment is about securing a future of sight for your child. With 37 years of experience in patient care, we approach this condition with the utmost skill and compassion, ensuring your family feels supported and confident during this critical time.