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Premature babies get the best chance at sight
Premature babies get the best chance at sight
Friday, 24 February 2012
Logan and Ipswich parents will now have better access to specialist eye care for their premature babies as part of a new scheme offered by Mater.
Mater nurses will visit Logan and Ipswich Hospitals to conduct retinal photography on babies in the Special Care Nurseries. These babies are at risk of developing a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), where the blood vessels in the retina of the eye may not develop correctly. Without early detection and treatment, ROP can lead to blindness.
“We conduct quick, safe eye examinations at the bedside with minimal disruption to these babies and their families,” said Mater Neonatal Nurse Bernice Smith. “This enables parents to be with their baby during the procedure, to help reduce stress for the infant.”
Premature babies previously had to be transported by ambulance to Mater South Brisbane for weekly eye examinations—with the possibility their clinical condition could deteriorate during transit.
Using a portable RetCam, the retinal photography will assist Ophthalmologists recommend any necessary treatment options.
This new service is provided by Mater, in collaboration with Queensland Health.
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