Up to 45 percent of the one million babies born prematurely in Pakistan each year are at risk of a retinal disorder that can cause permanent blindness, the Al-Shifa Trust warned on Wednesday, calling for urgent nationwide health reforms.
Acccording to Al-Shifa Trust’s report today, the condition, known as Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), can lead to irreversible sight loss if not treated within weeks of birth. According to the trust”s Department of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, an increase in neonatal survival rates has paradoxically led to a greater number of infants susceptible to the disorder.
ROP occurs when a premature delivery interrupts the normal development of retinal blood vessels, potentially triggering abnormal growth that damages the retina.
Dr Amjad, a paediatric ophthalmology specialist, stated that infants born weighing less than 1.5 kilograms are in the highest risk category. He noted that lowering oxygen saturation levels in premature babies can reduce the likelihood of advanced ROP developing.
In a recent case, seven-month-old twins Ibrahim and Ismail, born prematurely, were diagnosed with the condition. Medical staff commenced immediate treatment, successfully managing the disease before it could cause lasting harm.
The twins” mother conveyed that the timely intervention prevented potential blindness and provided reassurance. The infants, who are now recovering well, attend regular follow-up appointments.
Since launching a dedicated ROP programme in March 2013, the Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital has provided care for around 19,000 premature infants.
The organisation has established arrangements with multiple hospitals to facilitate screening, transportation, and surgery for high-risk newborns. It also employs tele-ophthalmology services to connect with remote medical units, including some abroad, to offer early diagnosis and guidance at no cost.
Citing the limited number of ROP-capable centres in the country, Dr Amjad called on health authorities to make retinal screening compulsory for all preterm infants and to expand the availability of specialised treatment facilities.