Hospital General Universitario de Elche treats premature infant's retinopathy

The Hospital General Universitario de Elche has successfully performed a highly specialized procedure to treat retinopathy of prematurity in a newborn with a gestational age of 24 weeks. The intervention aimed to preserve the infant's vision and prevent irreversible damage caused by extreme prematurity.

Ophthalmology specialists Dr. Cristian Fernández and Dr. Manuel Baeza administered a biological drug (anti-VEGF) using a minimally invasive intraocular technique. This medication works by inhibiting the abnormal growth of retinal blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of retinal detachment and permanent vision loss.

The procedure required close collaboration between the Ophthalmology Service and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Dr. Consuelo Vázquez and the NICU team managed the preparation, sedation, monitoring, and specialized care for the fragile patient throughout the intervention.