An alarming rise in eye diseases among prematurely born children has been reported in Karachi.
Medical experts have revealed that cases of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) are increasing among babies born before time. Experts have warned that without timely screening, this disease can lead to permanent blindness in children.
Head of the Ophthalmology Department at Jinnah Hospital Karachi, Professor Dr. Israr Ahmed Bhutto, explained that ROP is a disease that occurs in premature babies. He said that babies born before 30 weeks and weighing less than 1.5 kilograms are at a higher risk. The disease shows no clear symptoms, but abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye can only be detected by a specialist.
According to him, ROP has five stages, with the fourth and fifth stages being the most dangerous. At these stages, parents may notice crossed eyes, constant eye movement, or a white layer like appearance in the eye.
Dr. Israr said screening is necessary for every baby born before 30 weeks or weighing less than 1.5 kilograms. Most such babies are in the NICU. Using an advanced RetCam system, images of the babies’ eyes are captured to determine the stage of the disease and whether the child requires surgery, laser treatment, or weekly injections (four to five doses).
He added that babies born between 24 and 28 weeks are screened at 31 weeks gestational age. Although facilities for such treatment were limited in the past, premature birth rates continue to rise due to poverty and malnutrition, increasing ROP cases.
Jinnah Hospital Karachi offers a complete ROP program, including specialized clinics, expert doctors, and a RetCam worth around Rs 47 million. The program, run in collaboration with the Patient Aid Foundation, provides free injections worth Rs 90,000 to affected children.
According to Dr. Israr, some children require four injections, while others need five. Patients from major private hospitals in Karachi, as well as from Balochistan and Quetta, are referred to Jinnah Hospital because it is the only facility in Karachi equipped with a RetCam. He warned that without timely treatment, a child can go blind.
Jinnah Hospital ROP specialist Dr. Arifa Farooq said she performs screening and treatment of ROP patients at the hospital. She stated that she has screened 2,500 children, among whom 350 to 400 have been treated free of cost.
She added that 25 to 28 percent of children visiting the hospital are diagnosed with ROP. The disease is common among babies who receive oxygen at birth or weigh less than 2 kilograms. Screening within 30 days of birth is necessary to assess the development of the retina and blood vessels.
She urged doctors to refer such babies to Jinnah Hospital promptly to ensure timely treatment.
The interim chair of the Ophthalmology Department at Aga Khan University Hospital also stated that ROP cases are increasing among prematurely born babies and that failure to conduct timely screening can impair their vision.
According to the department, ROP occurs when the development of the retina stops or the formation of abnormal blood vessels begins in premature babies. Risk factors include low birth weight, excessive oxygen supply, anemia or blood transfusions, and respiratory distress.
The disease shows no clear symptoms in early stages, so parents are usually unable to detect it. As it progresses, the blood vessels in the retina become dilated and twisted, and in severe cases, the retina may begin to detach.
Experts warn that without treatment, the risk of blindness remains. Limited screening programs, lack of trained staff, and low awareness among parents hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Treatment options include laser therapy, anti VEGF injections, and surgery in severe cases. Timely treatment can preserve vision, although some children may still experience weak eyesight.
