New laser at MCH protects vision for premature babies
Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) has taken a major step forward in safeguarding the vision of the smallest patients. With the arrival of a specialized laser, MCH can treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on site, eliminating the need to transport very fragile newborns to distant facilities for laser therapy.
Why this matters: retinopathy of prematurity
ROP is a condition that affects premature babies when the retinal blood vessels grow abnormally. In severe cases, scar tissue can form, leading to retinal detachment and permanent vision loss. The risk is particularly high for babies born very early or with very low birth weight. At MCH, babies born under three pounds or at 32 weeks gestation or earlier are screened weekly for ROP as part of their routine neonatal care.
Level 3 NICU: the primary safety net
Care for these tiny patients happens in MCH’s Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the highest level of newborn care in Ontario. With more than 70 beds, the NICU at MCH is among the largest in Canada, underscoring the hospital’s capacity to handle complex cases in-house.
Two treatments, one goal: protect vision
Most cases of ROP improve with injections that block VEGF, a protein that promotes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. By suppressing VEGF, the abnormal vessels shrink and the risk of retinal detachment decreases. Injections are frequently successful and are administered at MCH.
But in a small subset of cases—typically one to two babies each year—the progression is too advanced for injections to work or cannot be used. That is where the new laser comes in. Laser therapy targets the underdeveloped portions of the retina to halt abnormal vessel growth, offering a precise and effective option for the tiniest patients.
From city-to-city transfers: a costly and risky workaround
Before the laser was installed at MCH, these vulnerable infants had to be transported by ambulance to other cities for laser treatment. Dr. Kourosh Sabri, a pediatric ophthalmologist at MCH, notes that such transfers are highly complex due to the extreme frailty of the babies and can be costly for the health system. The new on-site laser is a safer, less expensive alternative that keeps the infants closer to their families and familiar NICU teams.
A community-supported upgrade
The hospital’s laser was funded by a $120,000 grant from the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. This support highlights how community backing can directly improve care for the most vulnerable patients. While the laser is expected to treat about one or two babies a year, the equipment also holds promise for older children with retinal tears or holes, expanding its usefulness beyond ROP.
Looking ahead: safer, more efficient care
With the new technology in place, MCH can deliver laser therapy promptly to premature babies who need it, reducing delays and enhancing outcomes. Dr. Sabri emphasizes that laser treatment is both safe and precise for very small newborns, offering a way to preserve sight when timely intervention is essential. The ability to treat on-site also lessens the emotional and logistical burden on families during a stressful time.
Conclusion: a brighter future for at-risk babies
The addition of an on-site laser at McMaster Children’s Hospital marks a meaningful advancement in pediatric ophthalmology. By combining a high-level NICU with cutting-edge treatment, MCH is better equipped to protect the vision of premature babies and to extend its benefits to older pediatric patients in need. This upgrade reflects a broader commitment to reducing preventable blindness and improving neonatal outcomes across Ontario.
