Child Injury Lawyer Blog
By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
Studies conducted at Duke (North Carolina) University Eye Center and other facilities show that premature infants are at a higher risk for severe vision loss. It is vital that doctors identify those premature infants who are at risk for complications from ROP. Infants, who are premature with a low birth rate, should be identified by medical professionals. There is a small window of opportunity to identify and treat ROP. Otherwise, the child faces a lifetime of blindness and disability.
Laser treatment or cryotherapy can treat serious cases of ROP. In mild cases, some doctors chose to wait to let the condition resolve on its own. It is critical that the a doctor, experienced with ROP, effectively and efficiently identify risks and timely diagnose ROP in premature infants.
If you have a child who has suffered blindness (partial or whole) from ROP, a full review of the records by a Child Injury Lawyer and medical expert can determine if appropriate and timely medical care was provided. Many incidents of blindness from ROP are completely avoidable. Damages resulting from blindness are quite significant which include but are not limited to: medical expenses past and future, educational expenses, personal aide expenses, household assistance expenses, home modifications, transportation expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and the loss of services of the child to the parents.
You can read more about the Study at the Duke University Eye Center and other facilities at Early Treatment Helps Prevent Blindness in ROP Patients.