Eye Exam For Retinopathy Of Prematurity Care
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Eye Exam For Retinopathy Of Prematurity Details
- Do not feed your infant right before the exam.
- If recommended by the doctor, give you your infant a pacifier during the exam. This may help to soothe her.
- The doctor will put eye drops in your infant's eyes. These will dilate the pupils (the dark area in the center of the eye). The drops will take about 30-60 minutes to work.
The doctor may place drops in your infant's eyes to numb them and keep her comfortable.
Description of the ProcedureAfter your infant is born, eye exams are usually scheduled to take place in 4-6 weeks. The eye exam will be done in the doctor's office.
An assistant may gently place your infant in a blanket and hold her during the exam. The doctor will use an eyelid speculum to keep your infant's eyelids open. A special lens will be used to send a bright light into the eye. The doctor will check your infant's retina. An eyelid depressor will also be used. This tool will help the doctor to move the eye in different directions.
How Long Will It Take?30-60 minutes
Will It Hurt?The dilating eye drops can cause stinging. The exam can cause discomfort, as well. Ask the doctor if your infant will need medicine to keep her comfortable.
Post-procedure Care At the Care CenterRight after the exam, the doctor will tell you about the condition of your infant's eyes. Follow up will be scheduled if your child needs a procedure or repeat screening.
At HomeDepending on the strength of the eye drops, your infant's eyes may be dilated for 4-24 hours.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
