Pediatrics World Conference 2026

Abstract

Background. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and other visual defects, such as strabismus, refractive errors, amblyopia and cortical visual impairment, are fairly common among preterm and high-risk neonates, especially as their survival improves in countries like India. Early screening, identification, timely intervention and assessment of overall neurodevelopmental outcome are therefore essential for quality survival.

Methods. This prospective analytical study was conducted over a period of 7 years, beginning in 2017. A total of 375 preterm and high-risk neonates admitted to and discharged from the NICU/SNCU of Kottayam district were enrolled and followed up until 24 months of corrected/completed age. Three cohorts of high-risk neonates were identified: (1) neonates without ROP or other visual defects, (2) neonates with ROP, and (3) neonates with other visual defects without ROP. Neurodevelopmental status was assessed in all babies at 24 months of corrected/completed age using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III).

Results. Of the 375 neonates screened and followed up for ROP and other visual defects, 23 had type 1 or type 2 ROP, 35 had other early visual defects without ROP, and 317 had neither ROP nor other visual defects. At 24 months of corrected/completed age, the cohort with ROP and the cohort with other visual defects without ROP had significantly lower total and domain-wise neurodevelopmental scores than the cohort without ROP or other early visual defects.

Conclusion. High-risk neonates with ROP or other early visual defects have a higher chance of developing global developmental delay and cerebral palsy at 24 months of corrected/completed age than high-risk neonates without ROP or other early visual defects.