PP358 : Blinding Retinopathy of Prematurity in Western India: a quantitative study

Dr.Kshirsagar Sucheta

The purpose of this study was to describe characteristics of children with blinding ROP, to establish the referral pathways and to report reasons for development of blinding ROP in them.

The medical records of all preterm children were reviewed to identify children with blinding ROP. Quantitative data were collected of socioeconomic details of the parents, clinical features and reasons for late presentation. Data were analysed using a statistical tool.

Overall 74% children were blind due to ‘screening failure’ and the remaining due to ‘treatment failure’. Association between mother’s education and reasons for blinding ROP was statistically significant (P= 0.012). Children of mothers who were educated up to high school or less were more likely to be blind from screening failure. Lack of universal screening programs is the prime reason for ROP blindness in western India. Mother’s education may play an important role in prevention of blindness from ROP.