A Breakthrough for Premature Babies at McMaster Children’s Hospital
Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding the vision of premature babies. Thanks to a $120,000 grant from the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, MCH now houses a specialized laser eye surgery system designed to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). This development means some of the most vulnerable newborns can receive sight-saving treatment without the need for risky transfers to other cities.
What is Retinopathy of Prematurity?
ROP is a condition that affects the retina in babies born very early or with very low birth weights. In ROP, blood vessels grow abnormally, forming scar tissue that can lead to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. The condition is a leading cause of vision impairment among premature infants, underscoring the importance of early screening and timely treatment.
How ROP Is Managed at MCH
Babies at risk for ROP are cared for in MCH’s Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the highest level of newborn care in Ontario. The NICU at MCH is one of the largest in Canada, with more than 70 beds dedicated to the most fragile newborns. Weekly ROP screenings are standard for babies weighing under three pounds at birth or born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier. In a typical week, 15 to 20 premature infants at MCH and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton qualify for ROP screening.
Two Treatment Options for ROP
In most cases, injections that block VEGF — a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth — are effective. These injections shrink the abnormal vessels and reduce the risk of retinal detachment. MCH commonly performs these injections in-house.
However, there are instances when injections aren’t sufficient or viable. Dr. Kourosh Sabri, a pediatric ophthalmologist at MCH, explains that about one to two babies each year require laser treatment because injections can’t halt progression or aren’t suitable given the disease stage.
The New Laser: Safer, Quicker, and More Convenient
Before the laser, treating babies requiring laser therapy meant transporting them by ambulance to other cities for the procedure. This practice posed risks due to the extreme fragility of these tiny patients and added substantial cost to the healthcare system. The new laser at MCH changes that equation by enabling safe, precise treatment within the hospital’s Level 3 NICU. Dr. Sabri notes that laser therapy is especially well-suited for very small premature babies, offering a targeted approach that halts abnormal vessel growth while protecting vision.
Why This Matters for Families
Keeping treatment local reduces stress for families and minimizes the transfer risks associated with moving extremely premature infants. Laser therapy at MCH is described as safe, precise, and tailored to the needs of tiny patients. While the laser is expected to treat about one to two babies per year, its availability also broadens the hospital’s capacity to address other retinal conditions in older children, including retinal tears or holes.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Capabilities in Pediatric Eye Care
Beyond treating ROP, the laser expands MCH’s ability to manage a range of retinal issues across age groups. The investment underscores a broader commitment to high-quality, specialized pediatric eye care within Ontario’s healthcare system. As MCH continues to leverage this technology, clinicians anticipate improved outcomes and reduced long-term visual impairment among premature infants.
Expert Insight
“The primary reason for this purchase was to treat these very sick, premature babies in our Level 3 NICU, but we can also use the laser to treat older children with a retinal tear or hole,” says Dr. Kourosh Sabri. “Laser treatment here at MCH is a safer and less costly solution.”
Community Impact
The new laser aligns with Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation’s mission to fund transformative equipment and programs. By enhancing the hospital’s neonatal and pediatric eye care capabilities, the community benefits from improved patient outcomes, reduced patient transfers, and more streamlined, in-hospital treatment options for at-risk infants.
