Light Reduction for Retinopathy of Prematurity Prevention in Low Birth-Weight Infants

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a condition that can lead to blindness in about 2.1% of extremely low birth-weight infants (those weighing less than 1,251 grams). Current treatments, like cryotherapy, are not always effective and can sometimes cause other vision problems. As medical care improves and more premature infants survive, the number of infants at risk for blindness from ROP is expected to increase. This study aims to find a safe, effective, easy-to-use, and affordable preventive treatment for ROP. The researchers believe that reducing the amount of light that reaches the eyes of premature infants might help prevent ROP, as light can produce harmful substances called free radicals that can damage the eyes. In this study, infants weighing less than 1,251 grams at birth are randomly assigned within 24 hours of birth to either wear goggles or not. These goggles block 97% of light and are worn until the infant reaches either 31 weeks gestational age or 4 weeks postnatal age, whichever is longer. All infants, whether they wear goggles or not, are exposed to the same amount of ambient light. The eyes of all infants are examined on a regular schedule to check for ROP. The main goal of this study is to determine if light reduction decreases the occurrence of any confirmed ROP. The study involves around 400 infants, equally divided into goggle-wearing and control groups, and is currently in the follow-up phase with regular eye exams until either ROP regression or normal full retinal vascularization is established.