New laser brings hope to premature babies at MCH
Hamilton Health Sciences’ McMaster Children’s Hospital (MCH) has added a specialized laser eye treatment to its neonatal care, thanks to a $120,000 grant from the Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. The new laser is used to treat retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially sight-threatening condition that affects babies born very early. Pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Kourosh Sabri notes that this advancement allows MCH to provide state-of-the-art care without the need for risky transfers to other cities.
Understanding retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
ROP occurs when retinal blood vessels grow abnormally in premature infants. This abnormal growth can lead to scar tissue, retinal detachment, and permanent vision loss. The condition is more common in babies born very early or with very low birth weight. In particular, infants under three pounds or born at 32 weeks gestation or earlier are at heightened risk and require regular screening during the NICU stay.
Screening and treatment pathways
At MCH, the Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is among the largest in Canada, with more than 70 beds dedicated to newborns. Weekly ROP screening is standard for at-risk babies, and in a typical week, 15 to 20 infants from MCH and nearby St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton qualify for these checks. Most cases of ROP resolve with monitoring or minor intervention, but a small percentage need treatment—either injections that suppress abnormal vessel growth or laser therapy to halt progression.
Two paths to saving vision
According to Dr. Sabri, injections that block VEGF help the abnormal retinal vessels shrink, reducing the risk of detachment. This approach works well for many babies, and in a typical year, 15 to 20 infants receive injections or laser therapy. However, injections are not effective for all cases. In some infants, the disease has progressed too far, or injections have failed, leaving laser surgery as the most effective option.
Why laser is a game changer for MCH
Before the new laser, the only practical option for certain cases was transporting fragile newborns to other cities for treatment. Dr. Sabri describes such transfers as high-stress, high-risk operations that involve ambulance transport and specialized NICU teams. The new in-house laser at MCH reduces these burdens, offering a safer, faster, and more cost-effective solution for some of the smallest patients.
Impact beyond immediate treatment
While the primary aim of the laser is to protect a premature baby’s vision, the benefits extend to families and the health system at large. In addition to lowering the risks associated with transport, the availability of laser therapy in-house supports a more streamlined NICU workflow and can free resources for other critical cases. The investment aligns with MCH’s mission to provide expert, accessible care for vulnerable newborns.
Looking ahead
Sabri notes that the laser is expected to treat one or two very small patients per year at MCH, but the device also has potential applications for older children with retinal tears or holes. This broader utility enhances emergency response options within Ontario’s pediatric ophthalmology services and reinforces MCH’s role as a leading center for newborn and pediatric eye care.
The introduction of the laser at MCH represents a meaningful advance in neonatal medicine: precise, safe treatment for the smallest patients and a reduction in costly, risky transfers. For families navigating a premature birth, this development offers a new source of hope and a clearer path toward preserving sight.
