ophthalmologist follow-up ?s

kelkel09

My twins were seen in the NICU by the ophthalmologist routinely. No problems were ever found. After DD was discharged in October, they said to come back in 6 months for a follow-up. I went with her yesterday and they said everything still looked normal. I thought this would be the last appointment since everything looked good, but the doctor said to come back in 1 year for another follow-up. 

Is this normal protocol for preemies? How long do you keep bringing your preemies to the ophthalmologist for check ups?

 

Thanks!

jacque_z

This is exactly what our pedi opthamologist said.  Our one year follow up is in a few months.  Not sure if she will suggest another follow up in a year or not. 

urbanflowerpot

Ditto PP's and I totally got busted for canceling (and not rescheduling) his last appt by our pedi at his annual. Doh!

kelkel09

Thanks Ladies! I guess a yearly follow-up is standard

AlwaysSunny925

It's normal because preemies (esp. those who had ROP) have a higher incidence of needing glasses.  So they just keep an eye on our LOs.  We got the clear from our eye surgeon (LOs had ROP) and went to the opthamologist.  Got the clear from her and we go back in 6 months. 

 

JeepersWife

Other than one seeing DS in the hospital (I think...?) we have not been advised for any follow up....

adrielegorburu

From what I understand the one year follow up is a normal evaluation for ALL babies not just preemies - before the 12 month mark its hard for the doctor to evaluate sight because all infants have underdeveloped sight and no way to communicate. We had ROP and saw the eye doctor regularly after discharge from the NICU - when her ROP was cleared they told me to come back when she was 12 months adjusted for her "regular eye exam".  I actually took her in for it when she was 12 months actual because we were concerned she might have a lazy eye and the doc told us to come back in a few more months because she wasnt mature enough to do the tests.