Nepean Hospital’s new sight-saving surgery for tiniest tots

         Baby Jayden with parents Amit and Disha

The surgery treats retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a disease of the retina that is most common in babies with a low birth weight or who are born very early.

Though many babies with ROP have mild cases that resolve on their own, some babies require treatment to protect their vision.

Ophthalmologist at Nepean Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Dr Hugo Lee says, “While only about 10 percent of premature babies with ROP will need treatment, there is a real risk of blindness if the condition is left untreated.”

The laser eye surgery was established within NICU to enhance the safety of premature infants who required the treatment.

“Previously, babies from our neonatal service had to be transferred to other hospitals for the laser treatment, which was an infection control risk, stressful and logistically challenging,” he says.

“Now, with the equipment available at Nepean Hospital, we can keep babies in the same environment with familiar staff, which is better for everyone.”

Five-month-old Jayden was the first baby to undergo the laser treatment at Nepean Hospital.

Born at just 24 weeks gestation and weighing 643 grams, Jayden spent the first four months of his life at Nepean Hospital’s NICU, away from the family home in Dubbo, while his parents Amit and Disha stayed at Hope Cottage, the hospital’s accommodation service.

         Baby Jayden, following surgery to treat ROP

When Jayden was discharged from intensive care the family returned to Dubbo, but investigations into Jayden’s ROP revealed that the condition had not improved. Laser eye surgery was the best option to treat the ROP and save Jayden’s sight.

“We were very happy to hear the surgery could be done at Nepean Hospital,” says Jayden’s mother, Disha.

“We were happy that Jayden didn’t have to be transported anywhere else. The risk of infection when moving a child from one hospital to another is very scary.”

“Being at Nepean Hospital also gave us confidence because we already knew the hospital staff and all the doctors and nurses also knew Jayden. That gave us the assurance that we were in good hands,” says Disha.

For the family, Jayden’s laser surgery procedure signalled the end of a very stressful chapter and the hopeful beginning of another, away from hospital settings and in their family home.

“The doctors are confident that Jayden’s ROP has been treated. They told us the surgery went well and they’re hoping for good results for his vision,” says Disha.

“For us, this is a first step and we are excited. Hopefully everything goes well for Jayden after this.”

Hugo recalls the lead up to Jayden’s surgery, “The first procedure at Nepean Hospital was exciting. Everyone worked together to make it happen safely. It felt like a milestone for the hospital and the community.”

“Having this laser technology at Nepean Hospital completes the level of care we can provide for ROP. It’s the last piece of the puzzle for comprehensive tertiary care, ensuring the highest standard of treatment for premature babies and improving outcomes for families.”